‘Work Smarter Not Harder’: The DLSU Lady Woodpushers are ready to outwit their opponents this S85
With nine championships and seven runner-up finishes in the last 18 seasons, it is a no brainer for the DLSU Lady Woodpushers to once again aim for Gold this Season 85.
Fresh off a silver medal last UAAP Season 84, they are hungrier to top the pack once again. With the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs as their biggest competitor, the girls in Green & White strive to unravel them this season.
The well-known saying ‘Work Smarter Not Harder’ has been ingrained in the Lady Woodpushers mindset due to how they plan out their focus and systemize new unique strategies. With Head Coach Susan Neri advising the girls to do their best, DLSU are ready to outsmart every opponent that comes their way. New tricks and schemes up their sleeves can be expected as they pave the way to first place this upcoming season.
“We are excited to play again.” Says Woman FIDE Master, Season 81 Rookie of the Year, and Team Captain Samantha Revita with a big smile when asked about how she feels coming into the season. “Twice kami maglalaro this year so we want to get the championship back for the women’s team. We are doing our best in training with an extra push to give our best.”
Sealed Moves
The past few months have been full of reviewing their past games with both physical and mental training, as mental toughness is critical for their daily routine. The Lady Woodpushers train four times a week with a lot of self training assignments where they study their opening repertoire and review mistakes from past games.
Yet, this does not mean they are not physically prepared. Every game takes six hours long and stamina is easily run out. It is rather important to be physically strong enough to remain sensible and logical as time prolongs. The physical game is just as strong as the mental one.
The Lady Woodpushers balance this through physical and mental exercises. Ever since the past UAAP Season, they have become more determined to improve their game. DLSU is not one to just let a loss go, they seem to be more positively challenged to keep going and improving until they see victory.
With the guidance of the coaches, the girls are working on their endurance and willpower improving and adjusting to both their weakness and strengths. The coaches seem to have the girls really work on developing a better system which includes giving them new books and materials to read for their self-training.
The Queens and their Gambit
Each Queen on the team has their own national title therefore shines in their own right. Even their own rookie Irish Yngayo is an official Woman National Master. This is why their team captain is confident that they will all stand out in the competition.
The five girls in the UAAP Season 85 line-up are ready to outplay anyone who gets in their way. Each member plays an important part in the team and they love to bring each other up.
Preparing mentally, physically, psychologically and emotionally are paramount to their glory. They also engage in meditations and team sessions to build on their team dynamic and strengthen their psyche.
When asked on the importance of building team dynamic, the Revita stated that knowing that they are playing besides each other gives them a sense of clarity. They feel reassured knowing that the presence of their fellow Woodpusher is right there.
The team is very grateful for one another and for all the memories and the learnings. They are excited to help one another improve, as for the seniors it gives them joy to be able to share knowledge on their past games to guide the ones that come after them. Each individual is looking forward to playing beside each other this season and coming in first.
Checkmate in S85
From having the prize within arms distance in Season 84, it is expected that La Salle will fight harder than ever this season as their spirit roars for redemption. The girls are ready to bounce back and show us how they developed within the last few months. With something to prove, we can expect that they will be ready to fight until the end.
Although the NU Lady Bulldogs are. formidable opponents and will be on the defensive to keep their championship title, the DLSU Lady Woodpushers are not the slightest bit fazed by this. Their trust and faith in one another does not waver in the face of a good challenge.
Now on her fourth year, Revita is looking forward to playing her best and hopes to giver her all. She wants to help her teammates improve with knowledge and camaraderie for them to do their best this season and bring out their inner Animo.
“I would like to thank the DLSU Community for all the support and I am looking forward to make them proud this upcoming season by giving our best in our games.” concludes the captain.
Support the DLSU Lady Woodpushers as they begin their campaign starting November 12 at 2P.M. at the Far Eastern University-Diliman Sports Complex.
Their other games will be as follows in the same venue:
November 16, 2PM— DLSU vs ADMU
November 19, 2PM — DLSU vs FEU
November 20, 2PM — DLSU vs NU
November 23, 2PM — DLSU vs AdU
November 26, 2PM — DLSU vs FEU
