Navy players need to fight off jitters, says coach

Navy’s defense composed of Pau Soriano (2) and Lilet Mabbayad. Contributed Photo

Philippine Navy may be on a high in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference, but the Lady Sailors’ navigator knows her players still need to stave off on-court sickness.

Lady Sailors head coach Zenaida Chavez, herself an enlisted personnel in the Navy, said her players have to fend off the butterflies in their stomachs.

“Some of my players need the exposure, they have to be exposed in this kind of league and competition,” Chavez said Saturday at San Juan Arena after Philippine Navy dropped Philippine Coast Guard in three sets.

READ: Navy routs Coast Guard for first V-League win

Philippine Navy notched a 1-1 record while Coast Guard is still winless at 0-2.

“They’re not used to the pressure but I understand if they feel that way,” Chavez said.

There were instances where Chavez had to pull her players close due to help calm the jitters.

She said her players have to realize they are now on a league where competition is at a high level.

“They have to accept in themselves that they’re here, they shouldn’t be afraid.”