Emilio Aguinaldo College snapped its 16-game losing skid at the expense of San Beda University, 17-25, 27-25, 25-17, 25-22, Saturday in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament at the Lyceum of the Philippines University gym in Manila.
Prior to this victory, the Lady Generals last won in March 3, 2023 against San Beda University. EAC finished with a 1-8 card in Season 98 and was winless in Season 99. Before this, EAC fell to Lyceum of the Philippines University and San Sebastian College-Recoletos in Season 100.
In the fourth set, EAC and San Beda were tied at 22 before Erica Bodonal, Jing Alimen, and the rest of the Lady Generals sealed the victory.
EAC head coach Rod Palmero said they worked on their chemistry first before adjusting the system which would fit his players.
"'Yung last games namin talaga, naghahanap pa kami ng tamang chemistry. After ng second game, I planned na mag-fix na doon sa kung sino 'yung mga puwedeng magamit then I adjusted sa system especially sa attacking kasi 'yung attacking system namin nung nakaraan, medyo mabagal, hindi nagfi-fit sa kanila kaya 'yun ang adjustment namin na nag-click naman," Palmero said.
For Palmero, the win should also boost their confidence, especially after a stretch of losing games.
"Hinihintay namin na maramdaman nila kung ano 'yung pakiramdam ng nananalo kasi sa tagal naming 'di nananalo, hindi nila alam 'yun eh, lalo na puro bago. Ito siguro 'yung magpu-push sa kanila para magawa nila yung mga bagay na kaya pang gawin kasi alam na nila ang pakiramdam ng manalo at pakiramdam ng matalo. 'Yun ang nakikita kong makakapagdala sa kanila para mai-push pa sarili nila sa next games," he added.
Rookie Alimen had 15 points anchored on 14 attacks, while Erica Bodonal had 14 points as the Lady Generals improved to 1-2.
Alimen, a product of the Far Eastern University-Diliman program, said this will also help them as they prepare for the long season.
"Sobrang laki pong [boost] talaga kasi ngayong Season 100, gusto namin umangat ang team namin kaya nagsisipag po kami sa ensayo lagi," she added.
Erin Navarro had 13 points as the Lady Red Spikers remained winless in four games.
EAC will next face Mapua University on Thursday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
