University of Perpetual Help System DALTA defended its home court last Thursday after surviving Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 23-25, 25-23, 14-25, 25-22, 15-13.
Beyond defeating another contender in Letran, head coach Sandy Rieta said he reminded his players of how important winning the game was, especially in their own home.
"Sabi ko sa kanila the other day, 'Bahay natin 'to, 'wag natin ibibigay 'to. Para tayong nanakawan niyan pag natalo tayo,'" Rieta said.
The Lady Altas were down two sets to one before making the adjustments needed to claim their bounce back victory. Fortunately for the Lady Altas, familiarity in their own space was also an advantage
"Important 'yung tiwala sa sarili nila, sa team, and sa aming coaches. 'Yung composure, kung mawala, ibalik natin agad kasi sabi ko nga, 'Bahay natin 'yan, 'di ba pag sa bahay natin pag nag-brownout, kabisado natin. Ganyan din 'yan, Araw-araw tayo nag-eensayo diyan," said Rieta.
"Kahit nakapikit ka, dapat alam mo ilang steps 'yung pa-outside, 'yung taas ng net."
A roaring Altas crowd was also present during the said match and for the team, it was a big help for them.
"Mas ginaganahan kami maglaro 'pag alam naming maraming sumusuporta sa amin and we're thankful for that," Shai Omipon said.
This has been only the third time this season that a home team won in its own court.
The first one were the San Sebastian Lady Stags (vs Mapua) in the SSC-R gym, followed by the San Beda University Red Spikers (vs Arellano) in the San Beda gym.
On Saturday afternoon, the Lady Altas will face Mapua University who has been on a roll as the first round heads to its end.
"Wala kaming minamaliit sa lahat ng kalaban. Lahat ng tingin namin sa kanila, ahead sa amin. Ginagawa namin 'yun para inspiration or motivation para galingan namin every game," added Omipon.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
