Ubaldo has a star setter for a coach, and it's helping make the difference in her game.
There's nothing better than learning from the best. And for Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws' setter Tin Ubaldo, she has no choice but to learn from a legend.
Coach Tina Salak got candid about honing Ubaldo's skills after the latter was hailed the Best Player of the Game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball, recording 7 points from 3 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 aces—including the game-winner—while also having 10 excellent sets.
"Attacking setter kami," Salak told the media after the match on Wednesday. "Kailangan 'yung mind game, 'yung height advantage gamitin, 'yung height sa block gamitin, 'yung height sa attack."
"Kaya niya naman on her own, binibigay pa sa iba. Generous kasi."
FEU took the victory, 25-21, 25-11, 22-25, 25-21, to improve to 6-6 and keep their Final Four chances alive, albeit slim.
It wasn't easy to learn from a relentless and tireless Army Lady Trooper in Tina Salak, a setter who was hailed the 1995 UAAP Most Valuable Player.
"Una pa lang sobrang excited ako, legendary setter, personal niya kong tinuturuan," Ubaldo told the media.
She admitted, however, to feeling frustration several times over the course of the season, especially when she had to make do with poor receives.
"Lagi lang niya ko nire-remind, 'Yung mukha mo iba na naman,' tuwing natataranta na ko. Lagi siyang nandiyan sa gilid," Ubaldo shared.
Salak, a three-time Southeast Asian Games medalist, is displaying and preaching patience.
"Sinasabi ko sa kanya, 'Tin, wag kang mag-expect ng magandang pass. Kasi 'di tayo number one receiving team. Habaan mo pasensya mo,'" Salak shared, giving a peek on how her relationship with Ubaldo can involve a lot of instructions and reminders.
"Sinasabi niya [Salak], 'Kahit anong inis mo, ako pa rin ang nandito,'" Ubaldo noted.
"Wala kang choice," the coach added, before giving props to the young setter.
"I give credit sa binibigay niyang sakripisyo at willingness na matuto kahit sabihin nating lagi ko siyang pinapagalitan. 'Di siya nananawa," Salak said.
Ubaldo is now the second setter in UAAP's top scorers list, behind De La Salle University Lady Spikers' Mars Alba. The Morayta standout has 43 points coming from 24 attacks, 12 blocks, and 7 aces.
The best from Ubaldo, however, is yet to come, as the multi-titled UAAP, Shakey's V-League, and PSL setter gave this promise to the media regarding her ward.
"Marami pa kayong makikita. I promise you. Kasi siya 'yung nagtatrabaho."
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)