MANILA, Philippines - After steering National University to the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference championship, coach Roger Gorayeb has his sights on their UAAP campaign, seeking no less than a crack at the championship against perhaps the very team they humbled in the recent V-League finals.
“I want NU to make it to the championship in the UAAP this season. That’s really my dream. That’s my purpose for NU,” said Gorayeb, who moved from Ateneo to NU, capping the switch by piloting the Lady Bulldogs to a convincing 25-21, 26-24, 25-19 victory Ateneo Lady Eagles in sudden death to hand NU its second V-L collegiate crown at The Arena in San Juan City last Sunday.
Gorayeb said their Shakey’s V-League stint helped his team a lot – in terms of experience, preparations and poise – although he will be without Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Rubie de Leon when they vie in the UAAP volley wars in February next year.
Manabat and De Leon suited up for NU in the V-League as guest players, having completed their playing years with the school. But Gorayeb believes the two have shared their expertise and skills with the rest of the members during their title run in the Shakey’s-sponsored league.
“That’s why I only took in Rubie late in our V-League campaign so that my other players, including my setter can learn,” said Gorayeb, referring to the youthful Rica Diolan, who will now be NU’s starting setter in the UAAP.
“Rubie took her under her wing in a few weeks she was with us and I hope she (Diolan) has learned from her, especially in decision-making,” he said.
De Leon dished out solid performances in the finals, especially in the last two games where she exploited the team’s advantage in depth and talent.
Myla Pablo, who outshone the fancied Alyssa Valdez in Game 3 to snatch the Finals MVP trophy, will also be NU’s take-charge guy in the UAAP.
“I’m choosing between Myla and Jorelle (Singh) to be my team captain but it’s probably her (Pablo),” said Gorayeb.
Pablo, a 22-year-old graduating Marketing student, said she’s ready for the challenge.
“I’m ready,” she said.