Imus-Ivy Tuason Photography head coach Sammy Acaylar thought that his wards could do better despite starting their campaign in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on a high note.
The AJAA Spikers announced its arrival with a 25-22, 28-26, 29-31, 25-16, victory over Santa Rosa City at the Paco Arena on Sunday.
Acaylar, however, was far from satisfied.
“To tell you frankly I am not satisfied with the performance of my team,” the former men’s national team coach said.
Acaylar, who is also calling the shots for the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta men’s team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, admitted that his team has yet to build solid chemistry.
Composed mostly of Perpetual Help players including Hero Austria and Louie Ramirez backed by veterans in setter Ish Polvorosa, libero Ricky Marcos, Josh Villanueva and Kim Malabunga, the newly-formed Imus-ITP only had a short time preparing for the tournament.
“Although we won the game, it’s great that we won that game, but we are really struggling on getting all the players intact for training,” Acaylar said.
“Actually, we only had two days to prepare with only eight players available.”
The AJAA Spikers had a hard time shaking off the Lions. Acaylar also rued the number of miscues and service errors committed by Imus-ITP, which threw away 23 errors.
Fortunately, Ramirez, who was fresh from leading Perpetual to the NCAA Season 98 beach volleyball throne, delivered alongside Malabunga and Villanueva.
Ramirez, who played for Cignal last season, dropped 17 points with 15 coming off attacks while Malabunga and Villanueva added 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Still, Acaylar knows his squad has a lot to work on to get deep in the season-opening, 11-team field conference.
“They are all good, I respect their skills. But most of the players are not in their ideal condition to play, that’s why we’re still a bit sloppy,” the mentor said.
“So we need to lock in on training as we head to our next game.”
The AJAA Spikers have a full week to prepare before they march to their next outing against a very dangerous and star-studded Air Force side on 29 January.
