PSL: Gumabao, Gohing ready to deliver for newly minted Lady Slammers
Finishing dead last in the 2014 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix, the Philips Gold Lady Slammers, formerly known as the Mane N’ Tail Lady Stallions, beefed up their roster by adding the likes of former Generika Lifesavers and La Salle Lady Spikers Michele Gumabao and Melissa Gohing for their upcoming campaign in the 2015 PSL All-Filipino Conference.
“We now have some of the best players from La Salle,” said Philips Gold head coach Francis Vicente. “Hindi ko naman sinasabi na hindi kami aabot sa itaas [this coming season] pero pipilitin namin because ‘yung captain namin [Gumabao] sanay sa championship, hindi sila sanay matalo.”
When asked why they left Generika, last PSL conference’s first runner-up, Gumabao shared that Generika decided to reallocate their funds for their volleyball programs. In addition, she also indicated Generika’s struggle to keep a stable crop of team managers and sponsors hindered the team to be intact.
“Sabi nga namin ni Mel [Gohing], gusto namin ‘yung team na stable ang management. Every year, nagpapalit din ang team namin [Generika] ng sponsors and supporters so we decided to join another team and binigyan kami ng chance ng Philips Gold,” Gumabao added.
Gumabao, who spent most of her time backing up Generika import Natalia Korobkova in the last PSL conference, is well known for her defensive prowess when it comes to fortifying a team’s net defense and overall floor defense.
“I chose this team since I really want to grow as a player and I want to meet new people and I really want to be part of a new team,” Gumabao shared. “Looking at my teammates, I’m really looking forward to play with them and know them and most especially I want to be a good leader and a good example.”
On the other hand, Gohing, who was also known as one of the premier defensive anchors during her collegiate days, gives a massive upgrade at the libero position for the Lady Slammers.
“We all want to win and siyempre sino ang may gusto matalo di ba? This team wants to prove something to everyone,” Gohing said.
Both Gumabao and Gohing were vital cogs of the DLSU Lady Spikers teams that won three consecutive UAAP volleyball titles from 2010 to 2013. Gumabao was the UAAP Season 75 Finals MVP, Season 73 and 74 Best Blocker while Gohing was the Season 71 Rookie of the Year.
As of press time, the Lady Slammers still have vacant slots for their roster as they still lack an outside hitter, a big setter, and a middle hitter. Their final roster has yet to be released.
