Padda shows love for Lady Falcons’ veterans on Valentine’s Day

Who says Valentine’s Day is just for the loving couples?

In the day dedicated to love and smooches, Adamson University head coach Air Padda showed affection for her three veterans—skipper Jema Galanza, Mylene Paat, and Fhen Emnas.

The three have experienced Adamson’s lowest point in years past especially Galanza who served as the captain in Season 79 when the Lady Falcons won just one game in 14 outings.

And now that the Lady Falcons managed to go to 2-1 in Season 80, doubling their win total from a year ago, Padda couldn’t help but give love to her leaders.

“I love these girls,” said Padda after their 25-9, 27-25, 25-20 win over University of the Philippines Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

“I’ve said this before, Jema carried our team and she was playing in the most difficult of times. With Mylene and Fhen coming back, they came back with a purpose to accomplish something.”

Galanza, who had 14 points against UP, said she can finally see the fruits of their hard labor come to bloom.

“I feel that all our hard work is producing results,” said Galanza in Filipino. “We can see the results and I’m really happy for the team.”

Paat and Emnas sat out Season 79 but came back for Season 80 to help Adamson get back on track.

And help the Lady Falcons they did.

Paat put up 15 points, eight of which were aces, while Emnas had eight points and 34 excellent sets.

“When I was scoring those aces I kept telling myself ‘I can do all things through Christ,’” said Paat in Filipino and quoting Philippians 4:13. “I actually didn’t feel that I was scoring that many aces.”

“Right now I’m happy for the team because it’s not just one person,” said Emnas in Filipino. “All of us, even the bench players, know what they’re supposed to do. We all know that we can rely on each other.”

Padda said they have to trust on each other and not just rely on one person to do the heavy lifting, which was what they did back in Season 79 when all Adamson had was Galanza carrying the Lady Falcons the whole tournament.

“I told the guys that they had to make a pact, they can’t do this alone,” said Padda. “Mylene can’t do it by herself, Jema can’t do it by herself and I think it’s really starting. You’re able to see it on the court, I know it’s only our third game but something is happening here.”