Jennifer Nierva. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—National University maintained its place in the race for a Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament and a large part of that is thanks to young libero Jennifer Nierva.
The Lady Bulldogs fended off Adamson University, 28-26, 30-32, 25-21, 25-22, on Sunday to keep their hopes alive for the semifinals with their 3-7 record giving them a mathematical chance of entering the grand ball.
Nierva said that even though she’s a rookie, her team relies on her to bring the stability on and off the floor.
After NU’s three-set loss to De La Salle, 25-20, 25-18, 25-10, Nierva left the playing floor in tears, but she changed her demeanor heading into the match against the Lady Falcons.
“After that, I thought to myself that I had so much drama,” said Nierva in Filipino Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena. “I said that I should’ve never cried after our loss and I should always be happy and enjoy the game.”
“If I have that kind of demeanor, the happiness will eventually translate to the game because if I’m overly emotional you’ll limit your performance and you won’t play at the best of your abilities.”
Nierva did display her calmness on the court with 44 excellent digs and 33 successful receptions leading the Lady Bulldogs to break their three-game skid.
“My goal before the start of the game is to be the source of positivity, the source of energy, the source of happiness,” said Nierva, 19. “Since I’m the libero, I have to be stable.”