It makes sense why Karyll Miranda has spent much of her first year with Far Eastern mostly as a reserve player. She backs up Tin Ubaldo, who is among the nation’s leading amateur setters.
The Lady Tamaraws currently stand at second place in the elimination round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, largely due to Ubaldo orchestrating the plays effectively. However, praise must also be shared with Miranda, who stepped up admirably when Far Eastern University’s primary setter struggled during their match on Wednesday.
In terms of skills, Miranda has nothing to be concerned about, and she can gain valuable knowledge from Lady Tamaraws’ coach, Tina Salak, one of the nation’s most distinguished setters of all time, who provided the newcomer with an opportunity during the match against University of the East.
After securing a 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 triumph against the Lady Red Warriors, Salak stated, “In every match, I inform my players that they have a chance to compete.” In this game, Miranda delivered 17 outstanding sets, guiding the Tamaraws to their sixth success out of nine matches.
“It’s their choice whether they’ll deliver or not,” stated Salak, who naturally places greater emphasis on her setters.
Taking wheel
It doesn’t imply that Miranda can unwind just because she’s the secondary setter,” Salak stated about her newcomer. “She still holds an important position since my setters carry significant responsibilities. Naturally, I push both of them quite hard.
With the break she got, Miranda has just assured Salak that she could one day be trusted to run the Morayta squad’s offense.
Out of 49 tries, Ubaldo managed only five outstanding sets before handing over the reins to Miranda, who effectively steered the Far Eastern attack.
“The chance is huge since I rarely get to play,” stated the rookie setter. “I’m excited about our potential to improve in upcoming matches.”
“I’m excited to learn more from both of them since Coach Tina mentioned that we have the opportunity to lead the team. As long as there’s still time, Tin (Ubaldo) and I assist each other with whatever we need to accomplish,” she stated.
Far Eastern anticipates continued improvement as they have five more matches ahead before reaching the Final Four stage. Securing a 1-2 standing could provide them with the benefit of advancing with just one victory.
However, the defending champions from National University await them next, and Far Eastern must remain highly cautious when facing the sharp-minded Lady Bulldogs, who will enter the match eager after suffering their initial defeat of the season.
This will be high-pressure competition, with a fierce battle since the Tamaraws are determined to stay at number two at minimum.
“Playing under pressure is inevitable since it will constantly be present,” Miranda stated. “The choice is yours to figure out how to conquer it.”