MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb thinks National U’s chances for a breakthrough win in the Shakey’s V-League hinge not on its vaunted spikers but on its veteran setter Rubie de Leon.
“NU has a good group of spikers, there’s no question about that,†said Gorayeb after watching NU down Adamson, 24-26, 25-20, 25-15, 25-22, in their sudden death for the right to face the Lady Eagles in Season 10 First Conference finals at The Arena in San Juan last Sunday.
“But I think it will really depend on Rubie (de Leon). If she plays well, NU will have a chance of winning. If not, they will lose and we’ll have a chance,†he added.
De Leon, who honed her skills playing college ball for the UST Tigresses, has averaged 37 excellent serves in the Lady Bulldogs’ two Final Four wins over the Lady Falcons.
NU mentor Edjet Mabbayad also said De Leon holds the key for their title bid in the league sponsored by Shakey’s.
“We got her (De Leon) because she’s one of the best setters in the country today and her experience keeps the team together,†said Mabbayad.
De Leon’s superb set plays have enabled NU’s battery of hitters to shine, including the dreaded Santiago sisters – Dindin and Jaja, Myla Pablo, Aiko Urdas and Carmina Aganon.
“I’ve seen them play and it’s really my conclusion that Rubie will be the key. She’s like the driver of the NU bus, they will go to wherever Rubie decides to take them,†said Gorayeb.
The best-of-three finals kicks off Thursday at the MOA Arena for the first two games. Game Three, if necessary, will be played at the Philsports Arena, according to the organizing Sports Vision.