The coach Tina Salak era has begun in Morayta.
The FEU Lady Tamaraws only had one win in the UAAP Season 84 Women's Volleyball tournament, finishing dead last in the competition. They've already equalled that in their very first game in Season 85, behind a 25-16, 23-25, 25-17, 26-24 victory over the UP Lady Maroons.
The confidence-boosting win is extra special for the Lady Tamaraws as it starts a new era with legendary setter-turned-coach Tina Salak on a positive note.
"It’s a good start, definitely a good start sa program and even na nagsa-struggle kami sa training, sa past experiences nila, we have proven na kaya naming ma-overcome," Salak said after the game.
Although, the 5-foot-11 setter, who was part of the 2005 SEA Games bronze medal team of the Philippines, as quick to deflect the spotlight.
"It’s not about me anymore. Nandito ako to guide them and bringing back ‘yung glory days ng FEU, gusto ko ma-achieve din namin."
Salak said the Lady Tamaraws will have a lot to work on to reach that goal of winning the title. FEU last won the UAAP Women's Volleyball title in Season 70, way back in 2008.
For now, Salak said she will focus on improving her team.
"Good problem lang nito is we have to improve more. Mag-set kami ng expectations kasi nagkaroon na ng baseline. We have to improve pa. Marami pang aspects, malayo pa ‘to," she said.
"Main objective is makuha nila ‘yung rhythm nila. ‘Yung maturity malayo pa. Ayaw ko munang mag-preempt. Gusto ko day-by-day or every training, game, bigay nila ‘yung best nila without any hesitation."