University of Perpetual Help System DALTA head coach Sammy Acaylar had to wake his players up after dropping an important first set to Emilio Aguinaldo College in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series on Sunday.
His wards responded the best way, dominating the next three sets as they moved a victory away from delivering the school's fourth straight championship in the NCAA.
"Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘yung pride natin kailangan lumabas sa game so nag-change ‘yun nu’ng second set and sabi ko sa kanila na ayaw ko na may makita ako sa facial expression at body language nila na para silang nape-pressure," Acaylar said on Sunday.
"It affects the performance eh, basta they have to enjoy the game and ginawa naman ng mga bata. They have to forget whatever happened doon sa first set kasi nangyayari talaga ‘yun."
(I told them that our pride needs to come out in the game so it changed during the second set and I told them that I don't want to see them being pressured through their body language or facial expressions. It affects the performance. They have to enjoy the game and they did it. They have to forget whatever happened in the first set because it really happens.
That reminder from the decorated tactician proved to be the game-changer for the ALTAs with reigning MVP Louie Ramirez as well as sophomore ace Jeff Marapoc leading the comeback charge.
Ramirez poured in a game-high 23 points, highlighted by the game-winning point, while Marapoc provided 20 markers. The lefty opposite hitter Kobe Tabuga also made his presence felt with 16 points while veteran setter JC Enarciso had 27 excellent sets.
"This is a good start for us and I know na na-wake up sila nu’ng tinalo kami ng first set," Acaylar, who has been handling the team since 1985, added.
(I know they were woken up after our loss in the first set.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
