With support of teammates, Mary Ann Mendrez pushes past pain to deliver for UE

UE’s Mary Ann Mendrez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—No amount of pain would prevent Mary Ann Mendrez from helping University of the East get its first win in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.

Playing with an injured right shoulder, Mendrez put up 14 points to help the Lady Warriors repulse Adamson University, 20-25, 28-26, 25-23, 25-22, Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Center.

Mendrez, who got emotional after the game, played with sheer heart and determination to deliver for her team despite the pain.

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“It’s an amazing feeling to play knowing your teammates are behind you because even though it’s hard to play knowing you’re not at a hundred percent you’re relieved knowing that your teammates are with you,” said Mendrez in Filipino.

UE head coach Carl Dimaculangan said Mendrez sustained the injury in the Lady Warriors’ 25-12, 22-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12 loss to University of the Philippines.

Dimculangan added that he didn’t start Mendrez in the first set thinking that she won’t be ready.

“I doubted if I would even start her but I saw that her teammates were supporting her,” said Dimaculangan in Filipino. “She played through the pain.”

Even though no one told Mendrez that she has to play, Mendrez knew she had to get into the court and help her teammates.

“It feels wrong knowing that I can’t help my teammates and that I can’t perform at a hundred percent and that’s why I said to myself that even though I’m not sure if I’m at full health I would still give it my all,” said Mendrez as her team improved to a 1-2 record for a tie with Far Eastern University at the no. 6 spot.

“I may not be at a hundred percent, but I know my teammates will fill in the gaps,” added Mendrez.