Sananta, BNI Taplus vow tough game in Proliga finals

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 05/04/2008 10:06 AM  |  Sports

The men's final of the Sampoerna Hijau Proliga Volleyball tournament is shaping up to be an exciting game, with finalists P2B Sananta and BNI Taplus, both from Jakarta, promising a hard fight on Sunday afternoon.

Sananta coach Benny Martarius said Saturday his team would try to take the offensive from the start.

"I told my players to serve well and make fewer unforced errors," Benny told The Jakarta Post in a telephone interview.

He said his team would keep a close eye on BNI Taplus' experienced setter and captain Loudryans Maspaitella because of his expertise in building his team's attacks.

"That's why we have practiced hard anticipating BNI Taplus' spikers with net blockings," he said.

Sananta's best spiker Yuri will stay on the sidelines because of injury.

"His absence will definitely have an impact on our team. Andi Andiansih will take his position," he said.

Benny said he had also prepared his team to cope with the huge pressure on critical points during the final match.

"It is important for our players to keep their cool because the pressure will be enormous, and BNI Taplus has proved their toughness by defeating their rivals to book a berth in the final," he said.

BNI Taplus lead Sananta 2-1 in their three meetings in the tournament.

BNI Taplus captain Loudryans said his team would not underestimate Sananta.

"Most of our players are young and they have never played in the finals before," Loudryans said, adding Sananta players had better technical skills.

He said his team would not use any specific tactics to beat favorite P2B Sananta, but would capitalize on high morale.

"Sananta has good players in all positions, while BNI Taplus can only rely on the strong motivation of the team members and my experience," said the national team member.

"Competing in the final match is all about battling with our mental strength," he said.(ewd)

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.