After an impressive five-game win streak, Jose Rizal University is now on a tough three-game slump since its return from an 18-day layoff due to COVID-19.
And head coach Louie Gonzalez stressed they have to find their identity again if they want to go the distance in the NCAA Season 98.
"Actually gusto namin ibalik 'yung identity namin. Lahat ng pwedeng gawin ginagawa na namin sa practice para maibalik 'yung identity na 'yun," Gonzalez said after absorbing their latest defeat on Wednesday against Mapua University.
Gonzalez admitted their prolonged inactivity was costly as most of the players are now growing anxious and worried over their health after 11 of their 18 players contracted the virus.
And its effect was evident on their mental health, according to Gonzalez.
"These are the things that we're still trying to cope up kasi hindi rin naman talaga biro 'yung nangyari sa amin lalo na 'yung anxiety, the worries," he shared.
"Ang impact sa amin nung nangyari is more of mental which is to me, ayun 'yung lakas ng team ko eh, 'yung mental toughness namin."
"Sa ngayon nagda-doubt pa 'yung mga players ko if 'am I really back?'."
Despite their slide, Gonzalez trusts his players will be able to rise to the occasion in their upcoming matches.
"Again, this is a young team na talagang minsan it takes time for them to adjust kung ano talaga 'yung pinagdaanan eh," he added.
"And I hope na makabalik agad kami kasi physically naman wala na kaming problema."
—JMB, GMA News
