SEA Games: Resilience key for national volleyball team, says veteran Tina Salak

 

 

Army's veteran setter Tina Salak was in the women's national volleyball team when the Philippines last competed in the Southeast Asian Games back in 2005.

 

Together with her teammates Mary Jean Balse, Michelle and Mayette Carolino, Rubie de Leon, Cherry Rose Macatangay, Miles Peñano, Joanna Botor-Carpio, Amy Guanco, Roxanne Pimentel, Maureen Penetrante, and Monica Aleta, they bagged the bronze medal when the country hosted the Games 10 years ago.

 

As one of those who last stepped onto the international stage, Salak has one piece of advice for the new breed of volleyball players representing the country: keep their resilience.

 

"Maging matatag lang sila emotionally, physically, mentally," she said after Army lost a thrilling 5-setter against PLDT in the Shakey's V-League championship game on Sunday.

 

"Ang gusto ko lang i-share sa kanila, maglaro na lang sila kung anong alam nila na puwede nilang ibigay sa bansa. Nothing more, nothing less," she added.

 

But while Salak does not doubt the team's capability to compete on a high level, she expressed concern about the short preparation time compared to other teams in the region.

 

"Sana lang is mahaba 'yung preparation. Dahil 'yung Southeast Asian countries, hindi lang isang taon, dalawang taon magkasama 'yan," Salak said.

 

The national team composed of Alyssa Valdez, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jaja Santiago, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Gretchel Soltones, Rhea Dimaculangan, Aby Maraño, Maika Ortiz, Bea de Leon, Jia Morado, and Denden Lazaro has been practicing for two months before flying to Singapore for the opening ceremonies on Friday.

 

Still, Salak believes that the team will not easily give up with the will of the nation on their backs.

 

"Hindi naman basta-basta bibigay 'yung team dahil nga pride and honor 'yung pinag-uusapan," she said. "'Yung dalhin mo 'yung flag, na nasuot mo, ibang klase na." —JST, GMA News