De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde head coach Onyok Getigan knew that the Lady Blazers' journey in NCAA Season 100 wouldn’t mirror the path they took over the past three seasons.
From Seasons 97 to 99, Benilde was so dominant that it did not drop a single game all the way to ruling all those editions.
However, they had to bid to nearly all their core players ahead of the centennial season with the likes of Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, and Mich Gamit all making a leap to the professional ranks.
Though four veterans have moved on, the Lady Blazers remain a deep and capable squad thanks in part to Zam Nolasco.
The third-year middle blocker is currently the second-best middle blocker in the league, collecting a total of 31 rejections so far as the Lady Blazers continue to hold the second spot at 11-2.
Nolasco's leadership and maturity, according to Benilde head coach Onyok Getigan, are exactly what the team needs from her as they go deeper in the season.
"Normal lang na mahirapan kami ngayong season kasi maraming nawala sa amin eh. ‘Yung pinaka-core namin ang naiwan diyan si Mycah lang. Ang maganda lang ngayon ay alam nilang sila na lang so nagse-step up sila para sa team," Getigan told GMA News Online.
"Last year naman may laro na talaga siya pero kasi may ibang star players pa so hindi siya masyadong nakikita pa. Ngayon, dominating na talaga siya pagdating sa atake, sa blocking. So masasabi mo na may maturity na siya."
But Getigan stressed volleyball is a team sport, highlighting the importance of everyone's role as they shoot for a rare four-peat feat.
"Kasi madalas ‘pag nasa harapan siya ng net, parang nate-threaten ‘yun kalaban kasi ng ang laki niya so malaking bagay talaga siya sa amin," Getigan added.
"Pero kasi ang volleyball animan ‘yan eh so hindi mo rin masasabi."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
