REXONA-SESC’S Rio Bernardo Rezende, tagged as Brazil’s legendary volleyball coach, was impressed with the fighting spirit Philippine Superliga (PSL)-F2 Logistics Manila showed and gave its players precious pieces of advice.
Rezende saw the major flaws of Filipino players after his team handily won in straight sets, 25-15, 25-13, 25-20, in the 2016 International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Women’s Club World Championship on Monday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The local squad was outclassed in practically all department and could only put up a gallant third set by taking a 14-7 lead, before Rexona stormed back and finished the match early.
“Not bad for first timers. I like their fighting spirit, they tried do their best,” Rezende said. “The most important thing that I like about the team is they’re trying to help each other, owing up to their mistake. When they commit a mistake they say ‘it’s my fault.’ I like the attitude.”
The most successful volleyball coach in Brazil with more than 30 major men’s and women’s titles in a 20-year career, Rezende was frank in saying the locals aren’t talented as individual players.
But the coach admitted he saw potentials in Kim Fajardo, Jaja Santiago and skipper Rachel Anne Daquis, as well as American import Stephanie Niemer.
“I think the team played good, the outside hitter is good in attack, the setter [Fajardo] is okay, but sometimes she plays a little fast and she’s player,” he said. “Rachel, she’s good and the public loves her. But it’s hard to say who impressed me.”
And he has an advice to Philippine volleyball.
“This is the beginning. You have to keep working, going hard. Maybe this is an example for the youngsters especially for the middle blocker [Santiago]. She has a lot of potential, but she needs to play more at this level,” he added.
“Make the most out of the elusive world experience,” stressed Rezende, who won multiple titles and podium finishes in FIVB tournaments, as well as in the Olympics.
PSL-F2 Logistics Manila, meanwhile, faces another world-class team, Italian club Pomi Casalmaggiore, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Pomi Casalmaggiore, like the Philippines, is also a first-timer in the tournament. But the Italians remain dangerous with a roster bannered by seasoned national players from different countries, led by Rio de Janeiro Olympics veteran Carli Lloyd, who helped the United States clinch the bronze medal.
Also on the Italian club’s roster are Jovana Stevanovicif of Serbia and former Italian national team player Lucia Bossetti.
The Italian club also lost in its first match to defending champion Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul, 17–25, 18-25, 15-25, on Monday. Pomi faced Rexona Sesc Rio late Wednesday.
“We just lacked experience and exposure playing against international teams. But this tournament is a good foundation for our future games and future competitions for the Philippines,” 28-year old wing spiker Daquis said.
“I know we fell short in that game but me and my girls will do our best next game. We have trust in each other so I know we will perform better in our next game,” added Daquis, who scored two points.
Niemer, who scored 13 points, agreed with Daquis.
“I think we can use this as a learning experience for the next match. Our team chemistry gets better every day so hopefully it will propel us to do a little bit better in our next match,” Niemer said.
“This is a different level. Our opponents are exposed in international competition unlike us, who rarely join this competition,” Daquis added.
Image credits: Alysa Salen