PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb was left clueless following the team’s stunning defeat to Philippine Army on Thursday, 18-25, 16-25, 15-25, in the Shakey's V-League Season 11 Open Conference at The Arena.
The Lady Troopers turned what was expected to be a tight showdown into a mere workout as they finished off the erstwhile undefeated Power Attackers in just 70 minutes.
Surprisingly, no one among the PLDT players finished in double figures, with Gretchel Soltones finishing with just seven points to lead the team.
A pall of gloom befell the PLDT dugout as players and the entire coaching staff pondered what hit them.
Gorayeb was lost for words about the loss, saying “Hindi ko alam,” as he shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.
“Hindi ko rin alam. Mabuti pa sila (players) na lang ang tanungin mo,” he added. “Sila ang naglaro. I cannot put words in their mouths.”
Team captain Sue Roces and veteran setter Rubie de Leon pointed at each other when approached by members of the media to ask about the three-set loss.
Prior to the debacle, PLDT was picked as a legitimate title contender and readily proved it by keeping the top spot following a four-game winning run, before stumbling down to second spot heading into the quarterfinals.
The team didn’t practice the day before the game against Army owing to typhoon Glenda, but Gorayeb said they cannot use it as an excuse.
“Hindi kami nag-pratice kahapon kasi may bagyo. Pero hindi naman dahil 'di ka nakapag ensayo ng isang araw eh hindi ka na marunong maglaro, 'di ba?," he said.
“Siguro ayaw lang nilang manalo.”
Army went on to snatch the top spot (4-0) entering the playoffs.
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