The 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference may not have gone as planned for Gerflor, but their journey has been a valuable learning experience. Despite facing challenges and stumbling through a winless campaign, the team now sees a glimmer of hope for future success.
As Gerflor's maiden professional campaign came to an end with a defeat at the hands of fellow neophyte Foton, Head Coach Edgar Barroga candidly admitted that a lack of preparation was a significant factor in their struggles.
"Perhaps our preparation was a bit lacking, which is why chemistry is only starting to develop now," Barroga acknowledged.
However, amid the disappointment, Barroga found solace in witnessing his team's fighting spirit until the very end. Despite bowing out in an extended fourth set, they managed to secure a lopsided win in the second set, showcasing their potential. Players Nene Bautista and Shaya Adorador displayed their prowess and delivered the finishing blows for Foton, providing a glimpse of Gerflor's newfound strengths.
"If you could see our games, we are just starting to improve. Only now are they starting to have good and proper communication. It's only now that I realized that we actually have potential," shared a hopeful Barroga. He believes that identifying the team's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for future success, emphasizing the need for better positioning and preparation.
Throughout the Invitationals, one bright spot for Gerflor was rookie Alyssa Bertolano, whose outstanding performance earned her the spotlight. Scoring an impressive 15 points in the last match, Bertolano demonstrated her potential to be a driving force for the team in upcoming tournaments.
Barroga acknowledged the significance of building the team around Bertolano and expressed the need to find suitable support for her in the wing position.
"Definitely, if it pushes through, we really need to address the fact that we are somewhat lacking in finding a partner for her [Alyssa Bertolano] in the wing position, so we probably just need to see more clearly what we need to place in that position," Barroga said, stressing the importance of a cohesive team dynamic.
Bertolano herself remains determined and resolute in her pursuit of success. She recognizes the team's shortcomings in trust and communication during the recent conference and vows to work harder during the offseason.
The former University of the Philippines standout said, "I just have to trust my teammates because nothing is impossible. I feel that's what was lacking in us—trust and communication in this conference—so that's what we'll work on in the next conference."
