After securing a victory in their finals rematch against the Benilde Lady Blazers on Sunday in NCAA women’s volleyball action, Letran Lady Knights standout Natalie Estreller shared with Rebanse one thing that’s powering the team’s undefeated stretch: as long as the team continues to enjoy the match, their confidence will naturally follow.
Preparation Is Key, Says Estreller
The 23-year-old setter further shared in Rebanse’s exclusive interview that the Lady Knights came thoroughly prepared for their showdown against their archrivals.
“Siyempre po champion team sila, so pinaghandaan po namin sila and nagtiwala lang kami sa isa’t isa saka sa sistema and sa coaches namin,” she said.
For the past two seasons, Letran faced Benilde in the NCAA women’s volleyball finals, with the Lady Blazers emerging as champions on both occasions.
Enjoy + Confidence = Nine-Game Winning Streak
The graduating setter of Letran also shared that the secret ingredient behind the team’s nine-game winning streak is simply enjoying their matches and gaining confidence from it.
“Siyempre po, ‘yung una is enjoyment po namin kasi once na nag-enjoy kami mas nalalabas po namin yung kumpiyansa namin maglaro,” she pointed out.
Against Benilde, Letran trailed two sets to one but rallied thanks to Estreller’s standout setting, which helped Judiel Nitura score 22 points and Gia Maquilang record 16 points to go along with her 18 digs and 12 receptions.
Aiming for That Solo Top Spot in Group B
As the league enters the last stage of the elimination round, the Lady Knights have four games remaining. And if it were up to Estreller, Letran must continue to have that eagerness to win if they are to make the finals again.
“Siyempre po kailangan manatili ‘yung eagerness namin na makuha palagi yung panalo… one game at a time lang po palagi hanggang sa makuha namin yung goal namin,” she said.
Letran is currently alone at the top of Group B, with the San Beda Red Lionesses behind them at 7-2. The Lady Knights are now almost assured of a twice-to-beat advantage as they look forward to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament.
