Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos exhaled a sigh of relief after the HD Spikers narrowly escaped a potential meltdown in the third set of their straight-set victory over Nxled on Thursday night.
Despite a comfortable 23-10 lead, the Chameleons launched a fiery 11-1 comeback, nearly stealing the set.
The turning point came as May Luna's consistent serves disrupted Cignal's passing, while Jho Maraguinot's well-timed hits fueled Nxled's rally.
However, the HD Spikers managed to weather the storm, ultimately clinching the set with a decisive Chai Troncoso attack.
Delos Santos, visibly frustrated post-match, emphasizes the need for his team to stay focused and avoid complacency during advantageous situations.
"I always tell them that regardless of the score, whether it's a big or small lead, we need to figure out how to finish each set," he lamented, highlighting the importance of mental fortitude in tight situations.
Reflecting on the narrow escape, delos Santos sees it as a valuable lesson for the team, acknowledging the need to address such situations early in the conference.
The former national team head coach acknowledges that they'll be heading back to the drawing board in preparation for their upcoming rematch against Choco Mucho, the team that dashed their finals hopes in the previous conference.
"Perhaps what happened is a lesson for us. It's a good thing because what we're working on in training truly reflects in the game. But, as I mentioned, it's not enough, especially when our upcoming opponents are even more formidable," delos Santos remarked.
Recognizing the gravity of the upcoming challenges, he stresses the need for heightened seriousness, focus, and hard work from his team.
Delos Santos also appreciates Nxled's commendable run, recognizing their ability to capitalize on opportunities.
As the HD Spikers regroup, the coach is determined to ensure that his team emerges stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity.
