University of Perpetual Help System DALTA head coach Sammy Acaylar expressed disappointment even after his team's clean sweep of San Beda University in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series in the NCAA Season 98 men's volleyball tournament.
The champion coach said the ALTAs were simply not in their usual form, especially late in the third set, where the Red Spikers were able to erase a seven-point deficit and save five match points to come within two, 24-22.
It was Jefferson Marapoc's attack that sealed it off for the two-time defending champions ALTAs as they secured Game One while extending their winning streak to 32 games dating back to Season 93.
"Sabi ko sa kanila hindi ako satisifed kahit na nanalo tayo kasi alam ko kung paano kayo maglaro," said Acaylar following their 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 win.
"Actually I was surprised sa game ng mga bata ko because we've been through tune-up games against UAAP schools and we had a good game and iyong energy nila, 'yung intensity nila ngayon, hindi ko nakita."
("I told them that I wasn't satisfied even if we won because I know how they are able to play... Actually, I was surprised in my players' game because we've been through tune-up games against UAAP schools and we had a good game and the energy, the intensity, I didn't see it today.")
Acaylar also rued several distractions that led to their near late-game collapse, but glad his wards were still able to show their championship poise down the stretch.
"So maaaring it affects also 'yung psychological nila, excited ganyan or maybe kasi nanood 'yung mga parents nila, nanood 'yung mga kamag-anak nila, parang alam mo na — maraming distractions," the coach said.
"That's why I told them, gusto kong makita iyong game niyo talaga," he added.
"Well, nanalo kami sa game, masaya ako kasi nanalo kami sa Game One."
("So it could be it affects their psychological, they're excited or their parents and relatives might be watching, you know, there are a lot of distractions... That's why I told them, I want to see your real game... Well, we won the game, I'm happy because we won Game One.")
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
