AFTER a winless debut in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino conference, Marinerang Pilipina head coach Ron Dulay stressed that they can’t afford to lose all games in the Invitationals, which begins in October.
“Sana makapanalo na kami. Based dun sa experience namin, hindi na dapat maulit,” said Dulay after a 18-25, 13-25, 11-25 loss to Petron in the quarterfinals on Thursday at the Arena in San Juan City.
As Marinerang Pilipina’s first conference ended winless in 15 games, the veteran mentor’s goal for next conference is take a huge leap.
“Goal namin makapasok sa top four. Kung hindi man, dapat tumaas na yung level namin,” he said.
The Lady Skippers didn’t win a single game or even force a five-setter in all of their 14 games in the double-round preliminaries before being eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Dulay said that inexperience, lack of team chemistry and injuries took their toll on their first conference.
“Yung lack of experience ng mga players sa high level competition. Though sabihin na natin na mga elite players, kumbaga best players sa collegiate teams nila. Pero iba yung competiton sa PSL,” he said. “Iba rin yung matagal magkakasama kasi parang ngayon one month before the tournament saka pa lang kami mabubuo.“
Marinerang Pilipina also lost Chiara Permentilla due to torn ACL and Seth Rodriguez, nursing jumper’s knee injury, in the second round.
Dulay has plans of searching players from the provinces as most of the club players are still in contract until the end of the year.
But after an eye-opening All-Filipino stint, Marinerang Pilipina is hoping for better results from Dimdim Pacres, Judith Abil, Caitlyn Viray, Rhea Ramirez, Cesca Racraquin and veteran Ivy Remulla come next conference.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila, gawin nating learning experience ito. Itong season na ito. Wala tayong tinalo pero kailangan marami tayong natutunan,” Dulay said. “Hindi pwedeng ganun ulit yung ipeperform namin. Mas pagiigihan pa namin. At least ngayon, alam na namin yun kulang namin.“
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