Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Sobe Buena in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo coach Sergio Veloso lauded Sobe Buena for displaying a “strong mind in hard moments” after putting on the finishing touches to stave off Adamson in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Buena drilled 22 points including the clutch kills in the fourth set as the Blue Eagles ended a two-game skid with a 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 25-23 win over Adamson.
The Brazilian coach set his young spiker as an example when it comes to crucial moments.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
“In the hard moments, if you follow the system and you keep [following it] in the match, this is important because one good opportunity can be a big difference in the score,” Veloso said. “Sobe received three balls, and she didn’t stop. Once she receives, she hits, no matter, and she finished.”
Sobe Buena for the win!
WATCH: Ateneo celebrates its hard-earned win over Adamson. #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/FNsHCPw6ec
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 13, 2024
Buena, who hit 21 of her 40 attack attempts and had 10 digs, admitted that their third set loss, where they blew a 20-12 lead, was a “bit disheartening” but her determination never wavered.
“I kept in mind that I have was continue to fight for my team, continue to play in coach’s system, and really trust each other and play together as a team,” she said.
READ: UAAP volleyball: Sobe Buena credits team effort for stellar game
“Leading up to this game, we trained a lot and we worked really hard on improving our service. I think we’re able to bond over this past week so it’s important for us to keep that bond as we fight. I think I need to step up because I can see their efforts. I just want to contribute to that and be part of our team’s victory.”
Sobe Buena was backstopped by Lyann De Guzman, who also scored 22 points behind the plays of setter Taks Fujimoto.
Ateneo rose to fifth place with a 2-4 record before it wraps up its first round against Far Eastern University on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Buena is eager to end the round with a bang as the Blue Eagles hope to return to the Final Four this year.
“Going into our team on Sunday against FEU, this is really a morale-boosting because we worked hard for this win. It’s really a testament of our hard work and our composure until the end was so important in this game,” she said.