PVL: Consistent Nikka Yandoc shines for Capital1
Capital1 Solar Spikers’ Nikka Yandoc after a game against Galeries Tower in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Nikka Yandoc emerged as a spark off the Capital1 bench, helping the squad get back on track ahead of the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
After Capital1 was dominated in the opening set, coach Jorge De Brito brought in Yandoc, who steadied the offense and directed the plays in a much-needed 12-25, 29-27, 25-19, 25-18 win over Galeries Tower on Thursday at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The sophomore setter finished with 19 excellent sets and earned her first Player of the Game honor.
“They just told me to set the ball well for Bella (Belen) and Sasha (Bytsenko) since they’re our key players,” Yandoc said. “I’m really thankful to them because even when my sets weren’t perfect, they adjusted for me. My other teammates trusted me, too. I just told myself to do my best and give them the sets they want.”
With Yandoc being a revelation, Capital1 finished No.7, facing No. 2 ZUS Coffee in a knockout quarterfinal on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
De Brito said he has full confidence in Yandoc, citing her consistency and work ethic in training.
“She’s been doing really well in practice. She knows how to adjust to all the players,” he said. “You can’t stick with one setter, or only two open hitters, or one opposite. I’m so happy because she delivered at the right moment — the right time to prove she’s really good.”
“You don’t change [players] because you want; you change because you need. And when you need it, you have to show it. And she was really good. She did.”
The former Adamson setter said she always makes sure to get the feedback of her attackers, so she’s always ready when her number gets called.
“In practice, I always set up for them and ask what adjustments they need. I also told them during our meeting that we need to communicate all the time. Even if I’m not the main setter, at least I know the type of ball they want,” said Yandoc.
