Howard Mojica rejoices a point. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Humble in victory, gracious in defeat.
Emilio Aguinaldo College lost the NCAA Men’s Volleyball title on Tuesday, but the Generals reminded themselves there’s nothing to be ashamed of in the loss to University of Perpetual Help.
“Di ko pinagsisihan, hindi kami natalo basta basta, di kami bumitaw,” EAC head coach Rodrigo Palmero said. “Hindi kami dapat mahiya, kailangan na lang naming tanggapin.”
READ: Perpetual Help foils EAC to nab 11th NCAA men’s volley title
A limping EAC team with a star playing through pain had to go though to five gruelling sets in a match that lasted two hours, 40 minutes, only for naught.
Howard Mojica was nursing an injured right shoulder, from which most of his power comes from.
“Kaya nilabas ko nung second set, at kung di niya kaya kailangan mag step up nung ibang players para tumulong, di na namin kayang umasa 100% kay Howard,” Palmero said.
READ: Soltones, Mojica grab NCAA volleyball MVPs
Other than his injured MVP, Palmero rued the lack of experience of his players who were rattled by the referees’ calls.
“Na pressure, gawa na rin sa epekto ng calls ng mga referee sa mga bata, they have to focus on the game, pero hindi ko naman mako control isip ng mga bata.”