Coming off a runner-up finish in Season 98, the Lyceum of the Philippine University made some adjustments to their system ahead of the NCAA Season 99 indoor volleyball opening.
The Lady Pirates ended the elimination rounds in third spot with a 6-3 win-loss record and escaped the Perpetual Lady Altas in the stepladder semifinals for their first-ever finals appearance in the country’s first collegiate league.
The Cromwell Garcia-led squad faced the College of St. Benilde in the finals who were gunning for back-to-back titles, but failed to win a single set in the series and was swept ultimately by the Lady Blazers.
For Season 99, Garcia said they made a few changes to their system to prepare for battle.
“Nagpalit lang kami ng konti ng sistema, little adjustments para hindi naman predictable yung mga gagawin namin,” he said.
Team captain Venice Puzon hopes their much improved offense and defense can help them in their campaign to notch the crown, finally.
“May adjustments kami sa offense namin, mas pinagtibay namin yung servings at saka yung floor defense pati din yung net defense namin,” the Lady Pirates’ setter said.
The Santa Rosa, Laguna native added that their experience playing in different leagues during the pre-season showcased the potential of the team.
“Maganda yung naging progress namin, nakita namin yung potential namin nung last na sinalihan namin and nakikita naman namin na may malaking improvement,” she said.
Aside from the adjustments to the changes in their system, the Lady Pirates also feel the departure of their senior players who have graduated, including Zonxi Dahab, Jewel Maligmat, Maricar, Mañacap, and Francheska Toca.
“Mabigat yung mga nawala sakin na players but yung papalit I think they can stand out naman,” Garcia shared.
One of the graduating players, Joan Duguna, an outside hitter from Bacolod City, hopes they will finally get the crown in Season 99.
“Siguro bago man ako grumaduate dito, sana maabot namin yung championship para sa Lyceum,” Doguna said.
Needless to say, the Lady Pirates out of Intramuros are ready to write another chapter in the history books.
“We will represent the school sa pinakamataas na level na kaya naming gawin…ibibigay namin lahat todo-todo!” Garcia said