While height remains to be the might, these NCAA women's volleyball coaches share what other qualities a middle blocker should arm herself.
Grizzled mentor Roger Gorayeb of San Sebastian College-Recoletos underscored a middle blocker's communication skills as she will be the team's first line of defense against the other side's attacks.
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"Magaling bumasa, masipag sila bumlock, [at] magaling 'yung communication skills nila," said Gorayeb in Thursday's episode of NCAA Season 97 primer "Game On."
("They are good at reading the offense, they are persistent in blocking, [and] their communication skills are good.
For Mia Tioseco and Nemesio Gavino, the head coaches of JRU and San Beda respectively, a middle blocker should have a good read on what the opposing setter's moves will be.
"Kailangan matalino kung paano basahin 'yung opensa ng kalaban kasi sila talaga 'yung tumatrabaho sa blocks," said Gavino.
("They should be intelligent in reading the opponents' offensive plays because they are the main blockers.")
For this year's tournament, a handful of towering middle blockers will show their wares.
Carla Donato of defending champion Arellano University leads the pack, while challenging her are Daisy Melendres of Letran, Kristine Joy Dionisio of San Sebastian, Zonxi Dahab of Lyceum, Sydney Mae Niegos of JRU, Jamaica Villena of EAC, Michelle Gamit of CSB, Razel Aldea of Perpetual, Alyanna Nicole Ang of Mapua, and Trisha Paras of San Beda.
—MGP, GMA News
