By MARK REY MONTEJO
Kim Kianna Dy, Jolina Dela Cruz, and Fifi Sharma knew what it takes to be a champion and with their former collegiate team La Salle seeking another UAAP glory, they had a piece of advice to the current Lady Spikers – stick to the plan.
This as the Lady Spikers starts their mouth-watering trilogy with the reigning champions National University Lady Bulldogs this Sunday, May 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in a series likely to break several records.
Dy, a three-time UAAP champion, reminded the Lady Spikers to tune in and stay the course to their coaches’ instruction as the Lady Bulldogs are not an easy customers after all.
“We all know naman na NU is a strong team and La Salle as well [and] they just have to give their all, they just have to work as a team and listen to coach Ramil (de Jesus),” said Dy after Watsons Summer Fun event at SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City Thursday, May 8.
“Hoping for a sweep, but you know how NU plays. It’s a very unpredictable finals, so let’s just watch and cheer for who we want to cheer for,” she added.
The 5-foot-10 outside hitter was part of the Taft-based squad’s third three-peat from Season 78 to 80 – they settled for two silvers no thanks to Alyssa Valdez’s phenomenal performance for Ateneo in 76 and 77 – while also playing for Shopinas.com and F2 in the pro pranks.
On the other hand, Dela Cruz and Sharma – together with Finals Rookie-MVP Angel Canino and Finals MVP Mars Alba – had history with NU as they once led La Salle to its last UAAP title in Season 85, completing their redemption tour after losing to the same squad in 84.
“I think all they have to do is just play their game, stick to the level of their training and just do their best because this is the UAAP Finals. It really demands the best of you,” said Sharma.
“Yung iba diyan, napagdaanan na rin kung paano mag-champion. Lagi nilang tatandaan na yung sistema ni coach Ramil, sobrang ganda. ‘Wag nilang sasayangin yun,” Dela Cruz added.
And with the Lady Spikers facing the Lady Bulldogs anew, the two underscored how important trust to one another is, which they hope La Salle could apply this weekend.
“I think the biggest thing that we exercised during that season was our trust within each other. Whatever happened, whatever obstacle that came our way, we made sure to just trust each other and to put each other on the right path,” said Sharma.
“Siyempre, malaking bagay yung leadership nila ate Jolina pati nila ate Mars kasi sila talaga yung nag-pioneer sa’min sa finals no’ng Season 85,” she added.
“Siguro yung trust sa second stringers din. May mga times din na nagpapalitan ng mga players and sobrang thankful kami na may mga pumapalit sa’min na talagang reliable,” Dela Cruz continued. “Sana mangyari din ‘yun sa finals [this year].”
Canino and Laput soldier on for La Salle as they battle a depth roster and experienced NU side which is bannered by Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon.
