CLINCHING THEIR fourth straight Final Four appearance in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament, the UST Golden Spikers remain far from satisfied as head coach Odjie Mamon pushes for greater consistency heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.
Following a four-set victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons on April 11, the veteran tactician underscored three key principles he wants his team to embody as they prepare for the post season.
“I only ask for three ‘D’s’ from the players, it’s discipline, determination, and their discretion,” Mamon told The Flame.
The former women’s national team coach also emphasized the need for a more refined system as the Golden Spikers continue their bid to end a 15-year title drought.
“Performing well, It’s also one of our goals to achieve total mastery of the system,” he added.
UST currently sits third in the standings with an 8-4 win-loss slate, but still has a pathway to a potential playoff for the second seed against the NU Bulldogs if they sweep their remaining matches, as NU loses in its remaining games.
However, the España-squad has historically struggled against NU, with its last four postseason exits coming at the hands of the Bulldogs, including back-to-back Finals sweeps in Seasons 85 and 86.
“We’re hoping against hope, praying against prayers, but it can still happen, we’re still aiming for that,” Mamon said.
The Golden Spikers aim to stretch their winning run to three games when they face the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, April 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena. F
