Chloe Cortez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
It was 23-23 in the fourth set and University of Santo Tomas was two points away from the win in their first quarterfinals match in the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference.
Chloe Cortez managed to get a hand on the volleyball and forced Arellano to net ball error, giving the Golden Tigresses the 24-23 match point.
A couple of plays ensued and Cortez was again for the points, unfortunately this time, these were giveaways for the Lady Chiefs off her errors which paved the way for a deciding fifth set.
Cortez has been filling in for the injured Carmela Tunay, who suffered a nasal fracture, and with the responsibility comes the pressure of playing the veteran’s role.
Golden Tigresses head coach Kung Fu Reyes admitted Cortez is having hard time dealing with the pressure dealt to her, but is confident that better things are ahead.
“At least she has experienced this kind of adversity,” Reyes said after his UST won 25-21, 25-22, 19-25, 24-26, 15-12 over Arellano. “Chloe admits it, she’s guilty of her shortcomings.”
“I hope it becomes her motivation.”
Despite crucial errors in the fourth, Cortez started the fifth set as Reyes wanted her to feel the pressure of playing in the high-stakes set.
“I always played her because you can’t always just play good against weaker teams, Reyes said. “You also have to play against stronger teams and play good.” CFC