Gabby Hernandez made sure to acknowledge Sta. Rosa City's non-believers on Tuesday night.
This, after helping the Lions notch their first win following a four-set triumph over Ateneo-Fudgee Barr in the 2022 Spikers' Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena.
"Masaya po kasi nanalo tapos shinashoutout ko 'yung mga bashers namin na walang tiwala, na hindi kami mananalo dito," said the 15-year-old Hernandez, who scored on seven attacks to finish with nine points in the 25-20, 17-25, 25-17, 25-23 against the Blue Eagles.
After winning the opener, Sta. Rosa went through a rough second set -- which got them a serious tongue-lashing from head coach Edu Lirio -- before taking the next two to complete the win.
"Nakita niyo naman po nung third set nagising gising. Isang sakit din ng mga bata talaga na kailangan may masabi pa, na kailangan paulit-ulit pa ipaalala sa kanila 'yung kailangang gawin," said Lirio.
Sta. Rosa, a team composed of teenagers, already showed glimpses of its potential in its first two matches against the Cignal and the VNS-One Alicia. Unfortunately, that potential could not translate into wins as the Lions lost to the HD Spikers in straight sets before dropping a tight five-setter against the Griffins.
Hernandez said that the team will indeed gain a load of experience going up against more experienced opponents in the Spikers' Turf. But he also made it known that the team, as young as it is, is here to compete and win.
"Siguro makakagain kami ng experience pero hindi kami pumunta dito para lang maggain ng experience, pumunta kami dito para manalo."
