The Gerflor Defenders will have a new, well, defender.
The Gerflor Defenders finished their second season once again winless after bowing to the Cignal HD Spikers on Tuesday, 25-22, 25-11, 25-10 in the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference. The team ended the campaign with a 0-11 record.
But as bleak as that sounds, things are actually looking up for the young Defenders.
Coach Sammy Acaylar confirmed to reporters after the game that they are transitioning to a new management. This could only bode well for the squad following the issue of the non-payment of players' salaries by its current owner.
It was reported that an anonymous individual donated P2 million to cover the Defenders' unpaid salaries.
"Lagi ko kausap 'yung 'Good Samaritan.' He told me na darating siya by tomorrow," Acaylar bared.
"Ang PVL muna ang magha-handle sa amin," he added. "Sabi lang sa amin, mag-uusap sila ni (Sports Vision president) Ricky Palou."
Acaylar said he urged the unknown donor to push through in handling Gerlfor and to recruit more players from the UAAP and the NCAA to bolster their roster.
The issue of unpaid salaries was brought to light when posts on the online forum Reddit claimed that some players haven't even received any compensation since the squad first joined the PVL in the previous Invitational Conference.
Gerflor management reportedly vowed to give "partial payments" as it tried to work out a solution. The PVL also came in to assist in terms of finances.
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The developments, including the donation from the "Good Samaritan," seemed to have bolstered the Defenders' spirits.
They had their best performance in a five-set match against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, taking the first two sets before absorbing a reverse sweep.
Gerflor even nearly got the first set against the semifinals-bound Cignal HD Spikers.
"Masaya ako kasi nabigay 'yung pinaka-best nila," Acaylar said. "Although 'di kami nanalo, nakitaan ko ang players na may potential sila. Kulang lang kami ng long training."
"Malaki pala 'yung psychological effect nung napabayaan sila ng sponsor," he admitted. "So with the help of the PVL—thank you so much sa PVL—sila 'yung talagang tumulong sa amin. 'Yung mga bata, naging kampante. Wala na silang masyadong iniisip, they just played."
The Defenders finished their second conference winless once again. But with this rough chapter closed, the squad could hope to move forward and entertain more hopes in the future.
It might not be a total loss this time.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)
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