In a crucial turnaround for De La Salle University, 6-foot-6 middle blocker Josh Magalaman silenced doubts about his performance after a lackluster showing in Game 1 against the University of Sto. Tomas.
Following a disappointing loss where he only scored five points, Magalaman stepped up in Game 2, leading the Green Spikers to a vital 25-18, 25-20, 25-23 victory in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge semifinals.
Head coach Jose Roque had emphasized the need for stronger contributions from his middle blockers after their Game 1 defeat, stating, “Yun yung isang naging absence namin nung Game 1. ‘Yung middle blockers namin medyo nagkulang so sabi ko kailangan mag-step up sila.”
With their title-retention hopes hanging by a thread, Magalaman took his coach’s words to heart and delivered a standout performance, finishing as the game’s high scorer with 13 points, including seven attacks, four blocks, and two aces.
“Yun nga po ‘yung naging motivation ko kasi nga po last game, off po ‘yung mga middle. Naisip ko na kailangan kami sa team para makuha ‘yung Game 2. Ginawa ko lang ‘yung best ko and sinunod ko lang ‘yung tinuturo ng mga coaches samin,” Magalaman shared.
Preparation was key for Magalaman and his teammates leading up to the must-win Game 2. The team engaged in intensive practice sessions, focusing on strategies to counter the Golden Spikers’ strengths.
“Siguro mas nag-prepare lang po kami ngayon kasi ‘yung last game namin is talo. Siguro inaral lang namin ‘yung galaw ng UST, inaral lang po namin ‘yung kung sino po ‘yung pumpatay. Nag-viewing po kami, in-apply namin sa training tapos nagawa naman po namin sa laro,” he explained, highlighting their dedication to analyzing their opponents.
The impact of Magalaman's performance reverberated throughout the team, breathing new life into their championship aspirations.
“Super happy po ako kasi alam ko po sa sarili ko na ginawa ko ‘yung very best ko and ayun, nagawa ko naman ‘yung trabaho ko."
