The UST coach may have revealed more than he intended to.
After the UST Golden Tigresses’ bounce back win over the UP Fighting Maroons in the first round of UAAP Season 85 Women’s Volleyball, coach Kung Fu Reyes talked about the significance of his squad’s straight sets victory against UP. It was, according to Reyes, a performance that would help the Golden Tigresses get over their lackluster display in their preceding match versus the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
And as the postgame interview went on, an interesting topic was brought up: the lineup changes under Reyes’ watch in UST's last two games. Most notable of these changes are offensive players like Milena Alessandrini and Jonna Perdido suiting up as a libero.
Although reluctant at first, the UST mentor eventually divulged the logic behind the strategy.
“We know better. Bakit namin [gagawing libero] si Milena? Kasi hindi namin puwedeng i-activate as regular player. So, hindi ma-utilize. Libero, at least ‘yung mga wing namin papasok,” Reyes explained.
In the case of Perdido, Reyes may have accidentally disclosed an injury to his star opposite hitter.
“Kasi hindi nila alam, kayo hindi niyo rin alam. Bakit? Pansinin niyo ‘yung tape. Kung gagamitin namin si Jonna, hindi rin namin mama-maximize kasi nga masakit ang balikat… So, that’s why lahat ng wing namin nandoon," Reyes explained. "Kung medyo may masakit, hindi 100% to perform, ‘dun ka magpahinga sa pagiging second libero na kaya mong mag-perform, at least sa depensa.”
While it might be puzzling to some, such adjustments make perfect sense for the Golden Tigresses. They were deliberate and were done for a sensible purpose. But these tactics were supposed to stay within the team, coach Reyes admitted.
“Wala na-open na. Kasi ‘yun ang mga sikreto namin.”
With one tactic now out in the open, it will be interesting to see if the UST coaching staff has more tricks up its sleeve on Wednesday as the Golden Tigresses take on the struggling Atene Blue Eagles.