The Benilde Lady Blazers clinched a win-once advantage for the quarterfinals with a five-set escape act over the San Sebastian Lady Stags on Tuesday. Star Zam Nolasco was a big reason for the win, finishing with 28 points built on 18 attacks, 8 blocks, and 2 aces.
Afterward, Zam Nolasco spoke to Rebanse and discussed at length what has been her signature tip-in shot, which she has used to great effect this NCAA season.
Signature Shot Part of Zam Nolasco’s Adjustment
The 21-year-old said that her quick tip-in shots near the net didn’t just become a useful part of her offensive arsenal, but also one of the adjustments she made as a spiker.
“Malaking bagay po kase part na rin po siya ng adjustment ko as a spiker na binibigyan ni Ate Chen [Basarte] and ‘yun nga po parang may maiba naman po ako sa attacks kase puro palo naman po eh,” Nolasco explained to Rebanse.
And against San Sebastian, Zam Nolasco certainly relied quite a lot on those quick tip-ins.
“Para hindi mabasa [ng depensa] or maka-help din po sa puntos like i-ti-tip ko na lang po talaga siya na [para] sure point po,” she said.
Everyone Is Learning
This season, the three-time champion has embraced more of a leadership role as one of Benilde’s more senior players—even if she still finds it a little odd.
“Last year po kase parang may nagli-lead sa amin, ‘yung mga seniors namin, sina Ate Micah [Go]. Ngayon po kase kami na yung nagdadala,” Nolasco shared. “So, parang nandoon pa po kami sa everyone is learning, like kumbaga sabay-sabay kami natututo, na ganito pala, ganito pala ang experience na kami-kami lang ang kung paano namin dalhin yung isa’t isa kase ‘yun nga po, madaming bago and hindi pa nakaka-experience ng ganitong liga like kailangan namin silang dalhin.”
There have been moments of adversity here and there, but Zam Nolasco and the Lady Blazers are proving to be fast learners. Now, they’re hoping to turn those learnings into another title.
