FEU-DN Steel head coach Eddieson Orcullo praised Luis Miguel for rising to the challenge in the team’s come-from-behind victory over the upset-seeking VNS in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference last Sunday.
With starter Mikko Espartero struggling, Miguel came off the bench and ignited the Ultras’ comeback against the Griffins, winning 23-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-10 to claim the solo lead in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
The 19-year-old opposite spiker subbed in during the second set and started the last three, finishing with 13 points—11 from attacks—to help FEU maintain its unbeaten record at 4-0.
“Thankful din ako kasi si [Luis] Miguel, ‘di ba nag-error si [Mikko] Espartero, pumasok din si [Jomel] Codilla, pumasok din si Miguel, so kahit papaano ‘yung balon ng substitute mo, alam mong maasahan mo,” Orcullo said.
“Hindi lang basta malalim. Kapag kumuha ka ng player sa labas, I’m pretty sure na magco-contribute talaga,” he added.
While pleased with the bench's strong response, the former Sta. Lucia head coach emphasized that the team must avoid complacency to prevent similar situations from happening again.
Despite being heavily favored to win against the young Griffins, the Ultras seemed off their rhythm in the first two sets, quickly falling into a 0-2 deficit.
Fortunately, they found enough firepower from the bench to regain momentum and emerge unscathed.
“Ang lagi nating sinasabi, ‘wag mag-relax eh, pero kasi alam mo ‘yung power of the mind kapag sinabing wala pang panalo ‘yung kalaban, medyo pangit ‘yung standing, tapos nasa maganda kang posisyon, ‘yung ganung sistema tumatatak sa utak ng kahit sinong player. Buti nagising nung third set,” Orcullo remarked.
