RACHEL Daquis’ return to the PVL after 551 days isn’t for herself anymore.
With nothing left to prove in her two-decade career, RAD says this one’s for the young guns and the future of the sport.
“Wala na akong hinahabol sa career ko, para na ito sa mga bata,” Daquis said.
“‘Yun ‘yung magiging biggest contribution ko sa kanila, kung paano ako mag-lead sa loob ng court, paano sila maging intact na pwede nila sundan,” she added.
“Gumagawa lang tayo ng blueprint para sa kanila.”
READ: Trisha Tubu fires 33 to lead Farm Fresh past Galeries Tower
The cobwebs were still quite evident for Daquis as she only posted one point in a quick two-set cameo as Farm Fresh drubbed Galeries Tower in four sets on Thursday.
At 37, her second PVL salvo isn’t going to be a showcase of power spikes and lethal hits as she’s always been known for since her early beginnings at Far Eastern University.
More than strength, it’s all about the smarts this time.
“Before, I loved playing with power, ngayon I love playing smarter,” said Daquis.
“Sa ensayo pa lang, ginugulangan ko na ‘yung mga teammates ko. Totoo ‘yun, galit na galit sila. Mindset ko ‘yun na hindi mo always need ng power. Ngayon kailangan mong maging mas matalino kasi sa dami na ng batang malalakas ngayon, lamang pa rin ang matalinong maglaro.”
Rising stars like Trisha Tubu, who logged a career-high 33 points in their latest victory, further prove how joining Farm Fresh isn’t about being the face of Farm Fresh’s offense anymore.
Helping her younger teammates meet their potential has now become Daquis’ mission in the league.
“‘Yun ‘yung nakikita kong magiging best contribution ko sa team kasi kita mo naman 33 points (si Tubu), nandyan na lahat, kumpleto na ‘yung bala.
Daquis added: “(Tungkol na lang ‘to sa) kung paano na lang namin lalaruin ‘yung laro namin at kung ano ‘yung matutulong ko na maging intact sila at para i-glue sila.”
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