San Beda University head coach Ariel Dela Cruz knows Ralph Cabalsa's showing in Game 2 of the finals against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA was just the tip of the iceberg.
The rookie outside spiker erupted for 19 points alongside seven digs as the Red Spikers halted the ALTAs' impressive 32-game winning streak dating back to Season 93.
But Dela Cruz said Cabalsa has more to show as they look to clinch the school's first-ever men's volleyball title on Sunday.
"Yes, I think Ralph Cabalsa can give more, hindi lang ganito, hindi lang itong game. Siguro ‘yung game na pinakita niya ngayon or ‘yung nilaro niya ngayon, hindi pa ‘to ‘yung tunay na laro niya," said Dela Cruz following their 17-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-23, 15-11 comeback win on Friday.
"So mas may iaangat pa kaya sabi ko sa kanila, ‘yung tiwala binigay ko na sa kanilang lahat kasi nakikita ko ‘yung potential at laro nila."
("Yes, I think Ralph Cabalsa can give more, not just this game. I think the game he showed today, this isn't all of his game yet... So there's a higher level and I told them, I'm giving them my trst because I can see the potential in their game.")
Cabalsa, for his part, accepts the challenge, saying he does not want to let his team down.
"Ayoko din naman siyang mapahiya and ibibigay ko lang ‘yung best ko next game and iniisip ko lang palagi na ito na ‘yung last," Cabalsa said.
("I don't want to let him down and I just want to give my best next game and I just put it in my head that this might be the last.")
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
