UE’s Van Bangayan. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Despite University of the East remaining winless in 11 games, Van Bangayan was delighted to come through for the Lady Warriors after her teammate Ja Lana went down with a wrist injury on Saturday.
Bangayan erupted for a career-high 27 points to spearhead a valiant Lady Warriors fight in a 16-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-27 loss to Final Four contender Adamson in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at Philsports Arena.
“The team needs me. That was running through my mind during the game,” said Bangayan, a first-year spiker, in Filipino. “Because if I will give up, it’s possible that my teammates will follow. So when coach asked me if I am tired? I said no and he reminded me that I can’t be tired because I’m not really tired.”
“He also told us to play our hearts out and play for UE, not the name at the back of our jerseys,” she added.
UE coach Jumbo Dimaculangan was hardly surprised by Bangayan’s all-around performance after already seeing it during practices and previous games.
“In one word Vanvan was amazing. I was very amazed that she finally came out of her shell,” Dimaculangan said in Filipino.
Dimaculangan said they picked the right time to line up the UST High School product this season after she was listed as a reserve in Season 84 last year.
“She was inside the shell for a long time because she didn’t have a chance to showcase her talent last season because she was on the reserve list, which was clear to her because that wasn’t the time and she needs to be more ready,” Dimaculangan said. “But when she was given a chance, she exploded.”
After her stellar game, Bangayan hopes her teammates will also show what they’re truly capable of in their last three games of the season, seeking to end their campaign on a high note.
“My wish for our team is all of us will play well together. Me, Ja [Lana], and [KC] Cepada and the middle blockers because we need them,” she said.
UE battles National University on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.