THE UST Lady Paddlers want nothing but redemption in the UAAP table tennis tournament.
Last Season 79, team captain Nina Nacasabog yielded to De La Salle University’s Chantal Alberto in game three of the finals, allowing the Archers to bag their third-consecutive title.
This year, head coach Lorie Wadjad wants to instill an underdog mentality regardless of the opponent.
“I actually use reverse psychology on the girls and tell that they need to chase after the stronger schools for them to play fearlessly. I don’t want the girls to underestimate anyone whenever they play,” she told the Varsitarian.
During the preseason, the Lady Paddlers bagged silver in the 12th Uni Orient Table Tennis League and the 3rd Philippine Super League 2017. They also nabbed bronze in the 4th SSHS Invitational Table Tennis Championships last August 26 to 27.
In spite of the preparations the team underwent, the Lady Paddlers are having a hard time finding training venues following an order from the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA).
Teams must secure a letter from the IPEA office in advance to practice during weekends and holidays.
Aside from venue issues, the Lady Paddlers were rarely complete during trainings with five out of eight players busy with on-the-job trainings and thesis requirements.
“I understand the requirements of my players but I always tell them to also prioritize their training,” Wadjad said.
Wadjad said she has not been able to attend some practices because her juniors’ team competed in the 9th ASEAN School Games in Singapore last July 14.
“The girls made sure that while I’m gone, they were able to complete their requirements in school so that we can train longer when I get back,” Wadjad said.
With Nacasabog exhausting her playing years, her usual doubles partner Rizza Darlucio will take over as the new team captain.
The fourth year marketing student said training with different age brackets expanded their skill set for the season.
“The best part of going up against different kinds of players, from high school to veterans, is that we get to learn different kinds of playing styles. It depends on who we’re up against,” Darlucio said.
Rivals
La Salle is still considered the team to beat this season after Jamaica Sy and reigning Most Valuable Player Emy Dael played in the Southeast Asian Games last August. The two however, failed to make it into the semifinal round.
Aside from La Salle, Wadjad sees powerhouses Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines as obstacles for a possible return to the finals.
Last season, UST knocked out UP in the stepladder semifinals and erased FEU’s twice-to-beat advantage to march on to the finals, only to be defeated by La Salle in three games.
With the Lady Paddlers currently riding on a 6-0 record in the tournament, Wadjad wants nothing more than to see the team enjoy the game and give everything they have inside the court.
“I want my girls to enjoy the game but also to not get ahead of themselves. Regardless of the outcome it’s fine by me as long as they don’t underestimate the opponent,” Wadjad said.
