Mojica disappointed with performance in final NCAA volley game

Howard Mojica’s final playing game in the NCAA. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Howard Mojica started his Tuesday on the highest of notes, four individual trophies including the MVP plum when he arrived at San Juan Arena.

It was the perfect opener heading into Game 3 of the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Tournament Finals.

Fate, however, handed the big one to University of Perpetual Help.

READ: Perpetual Help foils EAC to nab 11th NCAA men’s volley title

“Hindi ko masabi kung down ako ngayon, pero kita naman sa score, at baka expected na namin,” Mojica said after the Altas beat them to the title in five sets. “Nagkaroon ng mental lapses at pagkukulang, mas ginusto nilang manalo kaysa sa amin.”

“Disappointed ako sa laro ko, hindi ko masabi, siguro nag expect too much lang siguro sakin tapos hindi ganun kaganda laro ko.”

An injured right shoulder compounded Mojica’s woes as he had to battle past the suffocating defense of Perpetual centered on him.

READ: Soltones, Mojica grab NCAA volleyball MVPs

Mojica said his shoulder bothered him when he went up for spikes.

“Wala na ako masyado naramdaman pero once umangat ako lalo na pag mababa bola medyo nakakaramdam ako.”

Mojica finished with 19 points, his lowest of the series, and he was unable to score in the final moments of the fifth set especially when the Altas came back from an 11-5 deficit.

READ: EAC holds head high despite losing NCAA men’s volley title

“Nakaramdam ako ng doubt, kasi alam kong bantay na bantay ako, kaya sinasabihan ko si Nicco [Bihag], yung setter naming na hangga’t maaari pasahan sina Israel [Encina].”

Waiting for Mojica after a bittersweet Season 91 is the “real world” of club volleyball.

He first has to finish his Education course at Emilio Aguinaldo College, though.

“Tunay na buhay na, volleyball career muna bago real world na job.”