Used to winning in high school, Jennifer Nieva left frustrated as NU continues to fall

MANILA, Philippines—Having won four straight titles in high school, losing is new to Jennifer Nierva.

With National University at nearly the bottom with a 2-7 record in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament,  Nierva couldn’t help but become emotional especially when defending champion De La Salle swept her team 25-20, 25-18, 25-10 Wednesday.

“I never felt this in high school that we were losing this much and we have this kind of standing,” said Nierva, who played for Nazareth School of National University, in Filipino. “The team’s shorthanded right now and it’s really hard for me because I’m used to winning, that we’re performing in a high level.”

“I have a different standard every time I play.”

Nierva together with Ivy Lacsina, Princess Robles, and Joyme Cagande made up the core of those NU high school teams that had their way in the UAAP for almost half a decade, but it’s been a different story once they moved up to the collegiate level.

Compounding their misery is the absence of Cagande, the team’s setter, after suffering a knee injury in their first game of the season.

Nierva, who had 18 excellent digs and 23 successful receptions, said she just wants what’s best for the team and when the opposite happens she can’t help but be frustrated.

“Every time I play, I always want what’s best for the team and every time I can’t see that I become disappointed at myself because I know I can do better,” said Nierva. “That’s why I became emotional earlier, I think I was disappointed at myself during the game.”

“I know I could’ve given more and we could’ve had a better outcome during the game.”