Extended break before UAAP Finals good, bad news for Ateneo

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo faces a double-edged sword with the extended break in preparation for the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball finals.

On one hand, the break is a welcome respite for the Lady Eagles as they hope to recuperate from their nagging injuries before waging war against La Salle.

“I think it’s good news for us so that we can prepare better,” said Mich Morente.

“Bea (de Leon) sprained herself so her foot is hurting, Jia (Morado) is nursing her hurting back, Kat (Tolentino) is having problems with her knee, same with Jho (Maraguinot). I strained my abs during the game and I don’t know why. Others have pain in their lower back. I hope we’ll get through this.”

However, the re-scheduling of Game 1 from this Saturday to May 2 also comes at a price for Ateneo as it will have to simultaneously prepare for the championship series and the players’ final examinations.

“Next week will be our Finals for academics, so it will all be at the same time. I feel it will be hard for us to manage our time, especially that the volleyball games are very important the same with our school,” said Morente. “It’s both a good news and bad news for us.”

But it is what it is, and Ateneo could do nothing but continue its twice-a-day training in hopes of nabbing its third title in four years.

Morente is hopeful that things will all fall into place once the Lady Eagles hit the floor next Tuesday for Game 1.

“As of now, we’re doing the same drills coach Tai (Bundit) has been giving us. Training never stops, every single day, seven days a week,” she said. “I hope the ones with injuries will recover while we wait for the Finals to start. We have time to undergo therapy so that at least when the Finals are here, we’re already ok.”