La Salle Lady Spikers look on as Ateneo celebrates game 2 in. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
De La Salle was on the verge of exorcising its demons on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena with a two-set advantage over archrivals Ateneo.
The Lady Spikers were a set away from taking back the title when disaster struck as they found themselves staring at an Ateneo onslaught with three-time MVP Alyssa Valdez leading the way with her 34 points.
Overconfidence? Getting relaxed? La Salle Athletic Director Nongnong Calanong doesn’t think so.
For Calanong, it was the Lady Spikers’ loss of focus that keyed in their collapse.
“Loss of focus, errors are really because of our loss of focus,” Calanong said. “There might have been some sort of of kumbaga nag relax, you cannot also take away Ateneo’s heart at that time.”
La Salle committed 33 errors, the same as Ateneo, but was vastly outplayed in offense as the Lady Spikers only managed 47 points off spikes while the Lady Eagles scored 63.
“This season if you look at the way we’ve been playing, we lose games when errors pile up, either services or reception,” Calanong said. “We might have played well in attacking but if you look at the errors dun talaga, it’s a matter of focus.”
If La Salle wants to get back at Ateneo, its opponent in the Finals for five straight years, Calanong said they just have to face reality of a Game 3 and remain focused to win.
“Pick up from the loss, go to Game 3 with a perspective of no other way but to win.”