Led by ‘tailor-fit’ import, UST targets 2nd Shakey’s victory

FOR AN import who can hardly speak and understand English, communication doesn’t seem to be a problem for Utaiwan Kaensing.

The Thai, a guest player for the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses in the Shakey’s V-League, can only say a few words such as “happy” and “OK.”

But her game has done much of the talking for the Tigresses, who are hoping to dominate the league anew after a two-year hiatus.

UST opened its comeback with an impressive 25-10, 25-20, 25-13 demolition of the NCAA runner-up Letran Lady Knights as Kaensing exploded for 17 points, including 11 kills and two blocks.

She is expected to take the same major role again today when the Tigresses shoot for a second straight victory  against the Adamson Lady Falcons at the Filoil- Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Gametime is at 4 p.m., after the 2 p.m. clash between defending champion Ateneo and National U.

As usual, UST coach Odjie Mamon will again talk to his Thai import by hand.

“We studied the hand signals they use in Thailand,” said Mamon. “I tell her the play through sign language, and fortunately she gets my message right.”

It may take help from teammates Carmela Tunay and Gigi Reyes to get a decent Q and A with the standout of the Thailand national team but it takes only a few hand gestures for the coach to run a play for her.

The 6-foot-2 Kaensing is tailor-fit for the Tigers, who have been looking for a player to man the frontline and help out veteran setter and team captain Rhea Dimaculangan.

“She’s a middle blocker, and yes, she’s good at blocking. You can really count on her especially when you set her up for a spike,” said Dimaculangan. “She just watches us do the drills and plays during practice, and she can follow afterwards.”

Local aces Judy Caballero, Maika Ortiz, Mary Jean Balse and Maruja Banaticla are  also expected to shine for UST in the league backed by Mikasa and Accel and organized by Sports Vision.