PERHAPS the toughest part of PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort's job at this point is managing his players' fatigue while making sure that they're still sharp to finish the job in the PVL Invitationals.
So how is he doing it? It's all about knowing when to step on the gas, and knowing when to give his players a breather.
READ: PLDT warms up for another PVL title clash by beating ZUS Coffee
“For the last two games, hindi na kami halos nakaka-ensayo. ‘Yung mga in-between days, mas pinipili naming mag-off,” Ricafort said.
“Nagpapapawis na lang kami sa morning. At least ngayon, coming into Sunday, magagawa namin siya pareho. At least ngayon, coming to Sunday, magagawa namin siya pareho. Rest bukas, training Saturday.
“By Sunday sana, nakatrabaho kami and at the same time, 'di kami sana ganun kapagod.”
The High Speed Hitters began their Invitational campaign four days since winning the PVL on Tour in a five-set title game against Chery Tiggo.
Their four preliminary-round matches were slated on August 21, 23, 25 and 28.
Simply put, PLDT played four matches in just one week and all of which it still won.
Riding on a franchise-best 12-game unbeaten run before its second PVL Finals in as many weeks isn’t one Ricafort considers as an ego boost of sorts.
It’s only an extra push for the team and nothing more.
In Ricafort’s words, “Added motivation na lang na galing kami sa championship.”
“This time, mahalaga rin ‘yung pag-manage ng katawan at makalaro kami ng Sunday na mabawasan nang konti 'yung pagod.
“At the same time, aaralin pa rin talaga 'yung kalaban. Wala naman na sa’min na kaka-champion lang amin. Talagang ite-take pa rin namin as a new challenge 'tong finals this Sunday.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
