San Sebastian College-Recoletos head coach Roger Gorayeb admitted that immaturity took its toll as the Lady Stags needed five sets to secure another win in the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball tournament.
San Sebastian, bannered mostly by rookies, faltered in the first two sets against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA before ultimately getting its act together for a 4-26, 26-28, 25-20, 25-20, 17-15 win on Sunday.
The animated mentor, though, said they have to work on their maturity on the court if they want to catch the Final Four bus.
"Dyan kasi lumalabas 'yung immaturity sa laro kasi katulad nito ni Kat (Santos), first year. Takot na takot kasi hindi siya sanay sa ganyang labanan," said Gorayeb, who shared he wasn't feeling well after he just received his booster shot.
"Pati 'yung setter ko, open na lang 'yung ise-set hindi pa maibigay nang maayos. Buti na lang nung bandang huli, si lady luck was on our side."
With their latest win, San Sebastian has become one of the hottest teams in the league, extending their winning streak to three after previously dispatching Arellano University and Jose Rizal University.
And sporting a 4-1 card, Gorayeb believes that if his wards could sustain their momentum, they can reach the playoff and possibly the twice-to-beat bonus.
"Ngayon naman, sa sitwasyon ngayon, maganda kasi ay one or two ka para ikaw 'yung may twice-to-beat advantage. 'Yun naman ngayon ang hinahabol namin, ma-maintain namin 'yung second [spot] position namin," the decorated Gorayeb added.
"Kasi 'pag nag-third ka, twice to beat mo 'yung two, 'pag nag-fourth ka twice to beat mo 'yung one [so] mabigat."
Still, Gorayeb warned the Lady Stags that a Final Four slot would be elusive should they continue the way they play, especially now that they have been in a five-setter situation twice in a row.
"Ang hinahabol namin ay ma-maintain na lang ito, pero hindi namin mame-maintain sa ganyang klase ng paglalaro. Ang natutuwa lang sa'min [ay] 'yung mga taong nanonood pero kami, lalo na ako, 'di ako natutuwa kasi nagpa-practice kami eh," he said.
"Meron kaming pina-plano eh pero hindi nasusunod, eh para saan pa 'yung ensayo."
—JMB, GMA News
