For De La Salle University, the road to victory isn’t paved by individual stars but by the collective strength of the team. This belief has guided them throughout the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, and now, as they prepare for the Semi-finals, this mindset is what UAAP Season 86 Best Libero Menard Guerrero says will carry them through.
As La Salle readies itself to face the formidable University of Santo Tomas, the UAAP silver medalists, Guerrero remains steadfast in his approach.
UST is known for its strength and tenacity, but for La Salle, its focus isn’t just on defeating the opponent—it’s about ensuring that every player, from the veterans to the rookies, has the chance to shine.
“Ang mindset po naming syempre nandoon na po yung gusto naming manalo, para ma-expose po lahat ng rookies na nandito samin. Mga bago na para sa susunod na generation, ung playing time na hinahanap nila makuha nila dito,” Guerrero shared.
Throughout the preseason league, the Green Archers have proven themselves with an impressive 5-2 win-loss record, positioning them as strong contenders for the title.
Much of their success can be attributed to Guerrero’s leadership and the emergence of new talents like opposite spiker Michael Fortuna and outside hitter Eugene Gloria. These rookies have shown immense promise, and Guerrero believes that this experience will be crucial for their growth in future competitions.
In volleyball, where teamwork is paramount, Guerrero is keenly aware that individual efforts can only go so far. He has seen firsthand that the strength of the team lies in its unity.
“Lagi as a team. Ang hirap kasi kung iilan lang yung gumagawa samin, so lagi namin binubuo namin as a team. Hindi kami bumubuo ng star player, star team ang binubuo namin,” Guerrero said.
For La Salle, the semifinals against UST represent more than just another match; it’s a test of their ability to come together and trust the system instilled by their coaches. Guerrero knows that success will come from playing for each other, not for individual glory.
“Maglalaro kami para sa team, hindi lang para sa sarili, at para din sa coaches na lagi nandyan para samin, para tulungan kami para mas mag-improve lalo,” Guerrero added.
As they step onto the court at the Philsports Arena on September 18 at 12 p.m., La Salle’s preparations and hard work will be put to the test. Facing UST is no small task, but Guerrero and his team are ready to meet the challenge head-on, as they always have: together, as a team. (CA)
