ClearSkiiin’s hard-fought victories in its first three games have provided exactly the kind of test the newest Spikers’ Turf squad needed to grow as a team.
Formed less than three months ago, the UV Smashers have already faced early challenges in the Invitational Conference that have pushed them to grow together, embracing the struggles of building a cohesive unit while learning to deliver in crucial moments.
“I think ‘yung past three games namin, mas pinatitibay niya talaga ‘yung relationship namin as a group,” said JM Ronquillo, one of the team’s veterans.
“Kasi bago kami as a team, eh, so parang three months or two months pa lang kami magkasama so wala pa kaming nararamdamang masyadong struggles talaga,” he added.
ClearSkiiin’s first three outings have offered an early glimpse of the team’s character, with the UV Smashers learning to navigate different kinds of pressure as they continue to find their footing.
The team opened its campaign with a four-set victory over 3B, 21-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-16, before dispatching AEP-Cabstars, 25-18, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23.
They faced their toughest test last Sunday, rallying from two sets down to complete a thrilling reverse sweep of VNS-Laticrete, 31-33, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-9, and claim the solo lead in the standings with a 3-0 record.
“These games, these past few games, ‘yun ‘yung mga talagang nagte-test sa character namin, which is marami rin kaming nakukuhang lessons and maa-apply namin siya sa mabibigat naming games,” said Ronquillo, who finished with 24 points against the Griffins.
Despite their unbeaten start, Ronquillo and the rest of ClearSkiiin remain grounded, recognizing that their early victories will count for little if they cannot sustain their momentum against tougher opponents in the coming games.
The UV Smashers still have several formidable teams to face, including defending champions Criss Cross, Savouge, National University-Archipelago Builders, and Far Eastern University-DN Steel, leaving them with plenty of challenges to overcome as the Invitational Conference progresses.
“So far, ano lang, sa middle lang. Wala akong nararamdamang emosyon, hindi masaya, hindi malungkot. Sakto lang kasi alam ko ‘yung mga upcoming games namin, mas mabibigat, and ‘yun talaga ‘yung mas nagma-matter,” he said.
“And technically, hindi pa naman talaga kami pasok, kung tutuusin. Saka na siguro ako magsasabi kapag sure na kami.”
