The Martelli Meats Master Butchers may not have had the season they envisioned in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, but a late glimmer of hope has emerged from the struggles.
Finally breaking their six-game losing streak, the Master Butchers swept Chichi DHTSI, 25-19, 25-20, 25-19, in a battle of also-ran squads on Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Arena. For head coach Michael Conde, the key to victory lay not in retooling their game plan but in rediscovering their joy for the sport.
“If only we had played our earlier games with the same composure and confidence we showed tonight, our record would be much better,” Conde reflected after the win elevated their card to 1-6.
“Oo, kung naging relaxed lang na kung ano ‘yung ineensayo namin, ‘yun ‘yung ginagawa nila. Katulad nga ng mga previous games namin, talagang nawalan kami ng ano, nape-pressure sila mag-receive. ‘Yun ‘yung naging problema namin,” he explained.
Early in the tournament, pressure had taken its toll on the team, particularly in their reception game, which disrupted their rhythm and offensive opportunities. However, Conde saw a shift in his players' demeanor against Chichi DHTSI.
“Ngayon lumabas na kaya naming rumeceive kaya mas nakakaatake kami nang maayos. Kasi ‘yung mga unang [games] gusto agad namin manalo na tuloy parang pressured ‘yung mga bata,” he added.
The difference in the match against Chichi DHTSI was palpable. Wilbert Cerebro orchestrated a balanced attack, allowing the Master Butchers to execute their plays with precision. The team's relaxed approach was evident, as they played with a freedom that had eluded them in prior games.
“Ngayon siguro ‘yun talaga, nag-enjoy lang. Natural lang na naglaro lang sila. Hinayaan ko lang sila kung ano ‘yung tinitraining namin, ‘yun ‘yung gawin nila sa game,” said Conde, underscoring the importance of allowing his players to enjoy the game and trust their training.
The breakthrough victory has infused newfound confidence into the squad, with Conde vowing to use this momentum to close out the tournament on a high note.
“Ang sinasabi ko nga sa kanila, itong game namin na ‘to, kung hindi niyo kayang higitan pa, maintain na lang natin. Kung ano ‘yung ginawa niyong preparation, ginawa niyong mindset sa game na ‘to, ‘yun ‘yung gagawin nating mindset sa next game natin,” he declared.
With the pressure lifted and the joy of playing rekindled, Martelli Meats has found a way to savor the sport once more.
