Arellano Lady Chiefs super sophomore Sam Tiratira fired a team-high 15 points on 7 blocks to lead her team to a five-set victory over the San Beda Red Lady Spikers in NCAA women’s volleyball action on Tuesday. Afterward, the 21-year-old opened up about what it feels like to become Arellano’s primary offensive option and about finding the right plays to win crucial matches.
According to Tiratira, she’s been using as inspiration what was a slow start to this season due to a minor injury that hindered her early on. Watching Arellano struggle at the beginning of Season 101 and not being able to do much about it ate away at Tiratira, who’s now being fueled by a bounce back mindset to make up for that rough beginning to the year. And it’s been paying off.
“Siguro ginawa kong inspiration kase before, hindi ako nakakalaro and nasimulan yung season. So, ginawa ko ‘yun as inspiration. Sabi ko sa team, sa coaches, na babawi ako sa kanila,” Sam Tiratira told Rebanse.
Down two sets, the Lady Chiefs leaned on the sophomore’s offensive prowess to get back into their match against San Beda—and ultimately pull out the win.
Composure and ‘Panapos’
Tiratira also talked about how Arellano adjusted and showed composure to find their “panapos” to secure the hard-fought win.
“Siguro ‘yung composure namin sa loob ng court, then ‘yung parang panapos. Kase ‘yun ‘yung nawawala lagi,” Tiratira explained.
The deciding frame turned into a tense back-and-forth battle, with both squads refusing to give an inch. Tied at 11–11, San Beda University stumbled with consecutive miscues, handing Arellano a narrow edge. Heart Villaflores then unleashed a powerful strike from the left flank, and a costly net violation by Angel Habacon ultimately completed the dramatic reversal.
Sam Tiratira Bares Points for Improvement
Tiratira ended by pointing out the things that Arellano must improve on in their next games to end the elimination round on a high note.
“Siguro ‘yung sa clear communication din and ‘yung sa blockings, sa floor defense dapat organized,” Tiratira said. “Then makinig sa instructions ng coaches, like mabilis ‘yung adjustments kapag kunwari nagbigay ng instruction yung coaches namin, mag-adjust agad,” the sophomore emphasized.
With back-to-back wins, it is safe to say Arellano and Sam Tiratira are adjusting well lately.
