Amid 0-3 start, PSL Manila stays strong ahead of Thailand game

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

UST-KAMENOGORSK, Kazakhstan — Coach Francis Vicente called for an evening practice on the day Rebisco PSL Manila received a thorough beating from Tianjin Bohai Bank of China.

But instead of working on plays, they used the time to have a heart-to-heart talk.

“I saw that the players were disheartened today,” said Vicente. “And it’s because of many factors. But what I like with this team is that we easily banded together although this is technically just our third match as one team.”

Vicente said one major factor is the lack of international experience considering that the ongoing Asian Women’s Club Championships marks only the first time the squad went out of the country to compete.

They face Supreme of Thailand, which swept Group A by demolishing host Altay, Taiwan Power and Sarmayeh Bank of Iran. The Philippines dropped all three games and will now vie for fifth to eighth places.

Game time is at 2 p.m. (4 p.m. in Manila).

The team, mostly made up of the national squad preparing for future tournaments, also played too tight in the face of 10-time Chinese league champion Tianjin Bohai. “We have stopped enjoying the game.”

Every one of the team shared her thoughts in bull session — including team seniors Rachel Anne Daquis, Aby Marano, Jovelyn Gonzaga — that lasted for one and half hour. The session ended with fun games to lighten up the mood.

“Now the good vibes are up again,” said Daquis, who on Saturday was asked by foreign reporters why the Filipinos are always smiling and celebrating every point scored.

Marano said the team should be up to the challenge despite the three losses it has already absorbed. “Let’s not forget why we are here, even against Thailand we can try to level up to their standards,” she said.

“You are here because you earned the spot in the team. You have made names for yourselves because of hard work, now you can do it and give Thailand a good fight,” said Vicente.