Lady Spikers barge into Final 4

That was a comfortable win by the Lady Spikers, in sharp contrast to their first round encounter with FEU where they flirted with disaster before recovering in time. Today, FEU wasn't the same team without the veteran Morada in the lineup. Today's win showed that the team has addressed some of the weaknesses that surfaced in the first round. Floor defense is much better, coverage by the back row players is also tighter, and the net defense is giving opponents headaches. The service errors have also been reduced, and hopefully we won't see the team gift the opponents with too many service freebies from here on. What makes them so effective is that the Lady Spikers have so many weapons. All the players are effective blockers, and all players except Gohing are capable of scoring at any given time, making it difficult for the opponents to defend them. Esperanza has also learned to vary her sets, and her effective play calling is evident in the even distribution of points among our players. The variety and unpredictability of the plays means that attacks can come from anywhere or anyone on the court. Cha Cruz is showing her steady leadership and gives her teammates the confidence that she has their backs, Abi Marano has been solid at the net and is surprisingly good at digging, Mika Reyes has been able to maximize her height advantage and has improved her spiking and placements, Michelle Gumabao is her usual efficient self, and rookie Ara Galang has been effective with her all-around game. Our substitutes have also contributed when given playing time. It's a pity that Camille Cruz suffered a season-ending knee injury against this same FEU team, otherwise our rotation would have been stronger. The first step in the defense of the championship has been accomplished - making the playoffs. There are still 5 games to go in the eliminations, time enough to work out the remaining kinks in their game, continue to scout the opponents, and plan for the final 4. The team must not let themselves be lulled into a sense of complacency, because the other teams will only be too willing to hand the Lady Spikers their first on-court loss in 2 seasons. But I don't think that the team will let that happen. This team has been stretched, tested, faced imminent defeat, and has prevailed. That's the true heart of a champion.