MANILA, Philippines - Alam ni Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb na mahihirapan sila kung sinuman sa National University o Adamson ang kanilang lalabanan sa finals ng Shakey’s V-League 10-First Conference.
“We all know that both NU and Adamson are strong teams, they wouldn’t make it this far if they’re not,†wika ni Gorayeb matapos talunin ng kanyang Lady Eagles ang University of Santo Tomas Tigresses, 25-13, 23-25, 25-23, 25-13, noong Huwebes sa MOA Arena sa Pasay City para walisin ang kanilang best-of-three Final Four series.
“We have a 50-50 chance against which ever teams between NU and Adamson qualify,†dagdag pa nito.
Masaya si Gorayeb sa ipinapakita ng Ateneo lalo na nang hugutin nila si veteran Thai Jaroensri Bualee, dati niyang player sa San Sebastian.
Si Bualee ang kumakamada para sa Loyola-based Lady Spikers mula sa kanyang mga attacking at blocking. Sa kanyang huling laro, humataw si Bualee ng 22 hits.
Bukod kay Bualee, kumakayod din para sa Lady Eagles sina Rachel Daquis, isa pang guest player, Alyssa Valdez at Fille Cainglet.
“Since Jang (Bualee) arrived, we got an extra offensive threat and a blocker. Not only that, she serves as an elder sister to my younger players, which is real-ly what we need in this team,†sabi ni Gorayeb.
Ang Lady Bulldogs ng NU ang pinangingilagan ni Gorayeb dahil ito ang tumalo sa Ateneo sa quarterfinals.
Ngunit wala pa si Bualee noon.