Multi-titled PVL coach Sherwin Meneses trains the NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP to have the same mentality as the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Sherwin Meneses' charges, National University and Creamline, may be competing in different levels and leagues but the chief tactician employs the same principles in guiding both squads.
After his collegiate wards, the Lady Bulldogs, overcame a five-set challenge in their third game against Far Eastern U, Meneses reached into his bag of tricks that has given his pro team, the Cool Smashers, seven PVL titles under his care.
That is, Meneses told NU to focus on one point at a time, especially when the pressure was at its highest in front of more than 8,000 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday, Feb. 23.
Finding themselves down by two sets for the first time this year, the Lady Bulldogs had to dig deep to prevail, 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8.
[RELATED STORY: NU survives tough test against FEU to go 3-0 in UAAP Season 87 women's volley]
“Lagi ko lang sinasabi sa kanila 'yung kahit anong situation, one point at a time lang tayo. Kalimutan ninyo na 'yung five [sets], kalimutan ninyo na 'yung first three or four sets basta one point [at a time],’” said Meneses, when asked if there were any similarities in the way he dealt with five-setters for NU and Creamline.
“Ayun 'yung talagang sinasabi ko lagi sa mga players. So kapag makaka-one point ka, makaka-score ka. So, ganoon lang naman 'yung lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, kesyo lamang kami o lamang 'yung kalaban, dapat ganyan 'yung mindset nang paano ma-defend talaga 'yung championship.” he added.
Bella Belen continues to be a reliable force for the NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
This mentality of the Lady Bulldogs was in full display against the Lady Tamaraws when they held on to force the decider in a tightly contested fourth set.
For Meneses, it proved to be the game changer as NU finally denied FEU in dominant fashion in the fifth, zooming to an 8-3 lead and never looking back from there.
“Kapag ganoon 'yung mindset, talagang hindi basta-bastang makaka-score 'yung kalaban. So 'yun 'yung gusto naming i-apply dito sa UAAP," said Meneses.
[WATCH: Lady Bulldogs bite back, thwart gutsy Lady Tams in 5 | UAAP Highlights]
Like Creamline, NU also has a wide arsenal of attack options, with the likes of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Vange Alinsug all scoring at least 19 points in their third victory.
Still, there’s a long way to go for Meneses in his return to the league.
His wards' next challenge will be the listless University of the East, which will be itching for an upset when they clash on Sunday, March 2, in the same venue.
Regardless of who NU will face, Meneses was adamant that his players would be ready to give a good fight.
“Lagi ko nalang sinasabi na malakas man ang kalaban or hindi, nasa bottom, 'yung 'one point at a time' lang 'yung talagang lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila. So, UE 'yan, FEU, La Salle or kahit sino man, ayun 'yung point, 'yun lagi 'yung reminders namin, reminders ko palagi sa team,” said Meneses.
“Talagang paghahandaan din talaga namin. Hindi naman importante kung sino 'yung kalaban, eh. Ang importante, lalabanan mo sila nang maayos."