UAAP: Roma Doromal leaves Ateneo happy with young team’s growth
Graduating Ateneo Blue Eagles player Roma Mae Doromal in her last UAAP women’s volleyball game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Roma Mae Doromal believes her commitment to the Ateneo Blue Eagles will be her biggest legacy to the team as she ended collegiate stint on Wednesday.
Doromal finished her collegiate chapter with nine digs and six excellent receptions as the Blue Eagles swept the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-13, 25-17, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The outgoing Ateneo captain hopes she served her purpose to the young Blue Eagles, who missed the Final Four for the second straight year but showed vast improvement under Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso.
READ: Ateneo wraps up UAAP women’s volleyball campaign on high note
“When I decided to stay, I really wanted to find my purpose and I saw that my purpose was to help them,” said Doromal. “As a libero, that’s the support I can really give them. Not the points, but to be with them all the way.”
“I guess that’s really what I think my success with the team was. To help them grow in the new system and help them show how good they are.”
The 23-year-old libero said that she is planning to turn pro in the Premier Volleyball League, which is eyeing to stage its first-ever Rookie Draft in June.
The libero started playing in Season 82 but her rookie year was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Her collegiate career resumed in Season 84 two years ago, where the Blue Eagles reached the semifinal stepladder losing to finalists, De La Salle Lady Spikers.
READ: Roma Mae Doromal rises to challenge of leading rebuilding Ateneo
Graduating Ateneo Blue Eagles player Roma Mae Doromal. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo missed the Final Four last year with only four wins out of 14 games but in Doromal’s final year where she is playing captain, the Blue Eagles improved with a 5-9 record in fifth place.
“I’m really proud because I saw the progress of my teammates. From the pre-season to the first round to the second round, I saw their improvement. I saw how good they are and that’s why I’m thankful I stayed this season,” Doromal said.
Lyann De Guzman, the leading scorer of Ateneo, was grateful for Doromal for staying this year and helping her in guiding the rebuilding team.
“I’m really happy she stayed because to be honest I felt like I wasn’t ready to be a team captain,” said De Guzman, who finished with 14 points.
“I was there to lead the team but with her there, she was able to help me play better with my teammates.”
Doromal expressed her gratitude to her teammates, coaches, and Ateneo fans, believing that the future is bright for her team as she bid farewell.
“We’re very thankful for Ateneo community its support. We’re grateful for those people because this wouldn’t be possible without team, she said.
