Greg Ancheta puts mentor Jessie Lopez's lessons into practice against AFP

Greg Ancheta had more than just a victory to celebrate against the Armed Forces of the Philippines. For the National University-Archipelago Builders setter, Saturday's dominant win also provided an opportunity to show how far he has come under the guidance of someone who helped shape his game.

Facing his mentor, Jessie Lopez, for the first time in a competitive match, Ancheta made the most of the occasion as NU swept the Cavaliers, 25-14, 25-16, 25-19, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena.

The 22-year-old playmaker admitted that going up against the NU assistant coach carried special meaning, particularly as he hoped Lopez could see the lessons they had worked on together translating into his performance on the court.

“Siyempre, unang beses ko ’tong nakalaban si Coach Jess (Lopez). Natutuwa ako kasi I hope na nakikita niya yung mga tinuturo niya sa akin. Nagpapasalamat ako,” said Ancheta.

Since joining the Bulldogs last year, Ancheta has benefited from Lopez's guidance, particularly in developing the mental side of his game. The setter credited his mentor for teaching him to play with confidence, remain composed, and make sound decisions when matches become difficult.

Those lessons have become increasingly important as Ancheta prepares to take on greater responsibilities heading into his fourth UAAP season.

“Tinuturo niya sa akin is yung mindset and kung paano magiging matapang maglaro, and paano mag-iisip pagdating sa mahirap na sitwasyon ng laro,” said Ancheta, who also earned a place in the Alas Pilipinas training pool earlier this year.

Against AFP, the young setter put those teachings into practice, tallying 19 excellent sets to orchestrate NU's balanced offensive attack and steer the team to a convincing straight-sets victory.

His performance also reflected the adjustments he made following the Bulldogs' first defeat of the tournament against defending champion Criss Cross.

Rather than dwell on the setback, Ancheta and his teammates went back to work, identifying their service and reception as areas that needed immediate improvement.

“Unang una po, tinrabaho namin ‘yung service saka reception namin kasi dun kami nagkulang, kaya nahihirapan po kami makakuha ng defense dun sa laro namin against Criss Cross,” he explained.

Ancheta also acknowledged his own shortcomings in that loss, admitting that his tendency to rush plays disrupted the team's offensive rhythm.

“For me, as setter, naging problema ko rin talaga nung game ng Criss Cross is masyado akong nagmamadali. So nag-mindset ako na kailangan kalmahan ko lang para hindi rin magbago ‘yung tempo ng laro.”