Patriot Spikers back out of NCRAA

The DLSU-D Men’s Volleyball Team withdrew from the 2018 National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) due to “miscommunication” with the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services (PATTS) College of Aeronautics Seahorses after their game on May 7 at the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Manila.

The green-and-white team, with the supervision of their head coach Mikko Gako, concluded their NCRAA journey with 1-2 win-lose record.

Mutual decision

As per Sports Development Office Director Fidel Rojales, the Patriot Spikers gained negative feedback from the NCRAA Board of Directors regarding their performance and attitude, pertaining to the miscommunication with the PATTS Seahorses.

Rojales said that the withdrawal from the league was a mutual decision between him and the Patriot Spikers. He pointed out, “Binigyan ko sila (Patriot Spikers) ng chance para magdesisyon. Sa kanila na rin nanggaling ‘yong desisyon na mag-leave [sa NCRAA].”

Meanwhile, the Patriot Spikers’ head coach, Mikko Gako, calmly expressed his side, “I agree with Coach Fidel’s decision to withdraw the team in NCRAA. In fact, he used the democratic approach to ask the players if we will continue or not. But I made my decision not to push through anymore. Citing two reasons: first, security [of the Patriot Spikers] and second, disciplinary action with my players.”

Stating another factor for the decision, “Kasi baka ‘yong mga bata pagod na kasi galing ng PRISAA Nationals…mara-rattle din sila sa pagpasok sa school [sa pag-asikaso ng] academics [nila],” Rojales added.

Lady Spikers to pursue the league

Despite the withdrawal of the men’s volleyball team, the DLSU-D volleybelles will still continue their NCRAA trip, headed by Coach Joven Racelis.  “Nama-manage naman nila (volleybelles) ‘yong performance [nila] sa pagaaral,” Rojales assured.

Ending the elimination round, the volleybelles will battle the women’s volleyball team of PATTS College of Aeronautics on May 18 at TIP Manila.