HEAD COACH EMILIO “Kungfu” Reyes emphasized discipline, fundamentals, and daily improvement as the San Beda Lady Red Spikers swept the Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs, 26–24, 25–23, 25–22, to claim their third straight win in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex on January 31.
With the win, the Lady Red Spikers remained undefeated as team captain Angel Habacon paced the charge with 21 points, earning Player of the Game honors despite facing stiff resistance from the Lady Chiefs in all three sets.
Following the win, Reyes highlighted the core values he continuously instills in his players.
“As a group, syempre yung ini-instill namin na sistema, yung discipline namin, yung collective effort na gusto naming mangyari. And baseline namin lagi yung, it’s all about fundamentals and hardwork,” Reyes said. “So, from there, ‘yun ang nagiging foundation namin. We just get better everyday, and i-beat lang ulit namin yung performance namin.”
San Beda was pushed to the limit in the opening set as both squads traded points in a tense back-and-forth affair. The Lady Red Spikers eventually edged out AU, 26–24, behind timely attacks and improved floor coverage to take the early lead.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to pull away. Arellano threatened late, but San Beda’s composure in crucial points proved decisive, as the team closed the frame, 25–23, to move one set away from victory.
Reyes noted that the team’s ability to execute under pressure is a clear sign that the players are gradually mastering the system and program implemented by the coaching staff.
“Kahit ‘di magsalita, alam na nila yung—nakikita mo from afar na naiintindihan nila ang lahat ng ini-implement ng coaches, yung sistema namin, kasi result speaks itself,” he said. “All you need to do is to guide these players, i-ready mo yung mga player, i-enhance kung anong meron, palakasin yung mga medyo kulang pa, at itaas yung level ng competitiveness at competencies nila sa court.”
In the third set, the Lady Chiefs mounted another challenge, keeping the score close until the closing stretch. However, San Beda once again delivered in crunch time, sealing the sweep with a 25–22 finish to cap off a composed all-around performance.
Beyond the unbeaten record, Reyes emphasized that the most important development is the players’ growing belief in both improvement and winning.
“Nararamdaman na nila yung nagi-improve na sila. Kasi ang tanong, nagi-improve tayo, ang tanong nananalo ba tayo? And this is it, nararamdaman nilang manalo, and yun naman ang maganda,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Lady Red Spikers are set to face Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights, a perennial contender in the league. While acknowledging the challenge, Reyes reiterated that the team’s priority remains internal growth and preparation.
“Yung Letran, nakaka-excite na makalaban… talagang matibay,” Reyes said. “Pagbubutihin pa namin, back to drawing board muna kami. Aayusin muna natin yung sa atin, then we do the scouting, then everything will follow.”
Set Scores: San Beda – AU: 26-24, 25-23, 25-22
Box Scores:
San Beda (3): Habacon 21, Bachar 13, Catubig 12, Hiponia 5, Navarro 4, Molina 2, Dela Cruz 2, Joniega 2
AU (0): Tudlasan 14, Servidad 12, Abitria 10, Tiratira 8, Mangubat 2, Domasig 2, Villaflores 1, Punzalan 1