Revitalizing the Thunder: Green Spikers Set Sights on Redemption in UAAP S86
Emerging from a no-podium finish during the previous season’s competition, the voraciously determined beach volleyball team of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers, composed of Kapitan Vince Maglinao, Andre Espejo, and Von Marata, have meticulously honed their skills and fortified their resolve. Now, with an earnest desire to ascend to the summit once more, they stand poised to reclaim the throne in the impending UAAP Season 86.
Team Captain Vince Maglinao expressed his disappointment after last season’s heartbreak. After achieving a bronze medal finish during Season 84, Season 85 marked a no-show in the Final Four. “Medyo disappointing ang performance namin,” he emphasized.
Targeting Team Weaknesses
The Team Captain ascribed last season’s heartbreak to the constricted training opportunities due to the team’s engagement in indoor volleyball. His emphasis on the scarcity of training sessions underscored their challenges, stating, “We only had a few times to train.”
Despite the persistent constraints on training sessions for the current season, Maglinao provided an unwavering assurance that he and his team are dedicated to maximizing the value of each training day. Their commitment is vividly expressed in Maglinao’s affirmation, “We are trying to prepare as much as we can and make every training day count.”
This determination reflects their proactive approach to overcoming challenges and underscores their collective resolve to optimize their preparation for the upcoming competitions.
Leveraging Experiences from Indoor Volleyball
Transitioning from an indoor sport to mastering the tactics of beach volleyball poses a significant challenge. Nonetheless, the team drew upon their experience in various indoor tournaments, including the recently concluded VLeague and the ongoing Spiker’s Turf, using it as inspiration for the Green Spikers.
“Coming from a champion[ship] in the VLeague, I can bring that fighting spirit going to the beach volleyball,” Maglinao said.
While emanating from disparate arenas, the team harbors a firm conviction that their proficiency honed within the indoor court will intricately contribute to endowing the Green Spikers with a strategic edge when navigating the challenging sands of beach volleyball.
Tournament Readiness
The team employed strategic planning and rigorous preparation to avenge last season’s outcome, focusing significantly on team-building. As Maglinao highlighted, he is now paired with a new teammate, Marata, marking a notable change from the previous season, along with Espejo.
“Right now, I’m having a new partner with Andre Espejo, though hindi naman ngayon lang kami nagkasama kasi magkasama din kami sa indoor,” pertaining to Marata.
The captain also emphasized the need to foster connections and build chemistry among the team members on the beach court.
“We have to spend a lot of time, especially during training,” he mentioned.
Captain’s Role in the Team
The captain’s in-game responsibilities are pivotal, serving as a cornerstone the team leans on. As the captain for the upcoming beach volleyball season, Maglinao highlighted various contributions he could bring to the team.
“One thing that I could probably offer is my 100% effort everytime. Kasi, although there would be times that would be hard, kahit na mahirap ang magiging situation, andun pa rin ung magiging effort sa bawat game,” he stated.
As the team ventures into the approaching season, Maglinao’s dedication transforms beyond an individual pledge, evolving into a guiding light paving the way to success for the entire squad.
Hopeful Season of Career Transformation
The captain’s wholehearted trust in the team is unmistakably evident. Maglinao further conveyed his joy as he stepped onto the court with his teammates for his probable final season in beach volleyball and with DLSU.
“I’m just happy to share the court with them. What other people can expect from the DLSU Green Spikers is to have that fighting spirit every time we play, either beach or indoor volleyball.”
As he looks ahead, Maglinao and his team assure fans can anticipate the relentless fighting spirit of the DLSU Green Spikers, promising an exhilarating display of tenacity every time they play on the beach volleyball court.
Catch the DLSU Green Spikers in action as they kick off UAAP Season 86 against the University of the East (UE) later today, November 17, 2:45PM, at the Sands SM by the Bay.
Their other match schedules are as follows:
DLSU vs. NU — November 17, 5:45PM
DLSU vs. AdU — November 18, 4:15PM
DLSU vs. UST — November 19, 10AM
DLSU vs. FEU —November 24, 7:45AM
DLSU vs. ADMU — November 24, 3:30PM
DLSU vs. UP — November 25, 2:00PM
