The Ateneo Blue Eagles —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Ateneo Blue Eagles have been dominating the men’s V-League Collegiate Challenge so far, managing to always be a step ahead of their foes even in tight games in the competitive eight-team field.
But Blue Eagles coach Timothy Sto. Tomas isn’t paying much attention to their four consecutive wins in as many games—he would much rather see their system consistently executed by his wards.
“We don’t dwell on the streak because we prepare for every game. We always take it one game at a time,” Sto. Tomas said after Ateneo shut down reigning NCAA champions Perpetual Help, 25-18, 21-25, 25-21, 25-21, on Wednesday at Paco Arena.
It is evident that the Blue Eagles are moving in the right direction but for the former Ateneo stalwart, he still wants to see more progress in their UAAP preparations, saying he needs to drill his Blue Eagles more on following through with their system.
“We are happy that we are winning and every game we see our players improving … it’s more of the improvement of the players.”
The Altas fought back and clinched the second set, something that Sto. Tomas believes the Blue Eagles could have done better avoiding had they kept their system in mind and avoided any lapses.
Luckily, the Katipunan-based squad got its head back in the game in the latter sets to secure the victory and extend its streak.
“They knew what to do but they sort of chose not to respond, it seemed like they did not want to do [what needs to be done], that’s what’s frustrating,” Sto. Tomas said. “We could’ve done better.”
Having three days from Wednesday to prepare for their next game, Sto. Tomas will have to repeat to his Blue Eagles to trust their system.
The Blue Eagles would need every bit of consistency in facing the University of Sto. Tomas—which currently sits atop the standings—on Sunday coach Odjie Mamon and his wards try to erase the “most generous” in errors tag currently pinned on the Tigers.