Ateneo coach Sergio Veloso in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Despite falling short of becoming the first team to beat the University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo coach Sergio Veloso was mighty proud of his Blue Eagles’ fight after pushing the Tigresses to their limits in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
The Blue Eagles fought back from two sets down as Lyann De Guzman, Sobe Buena, and Zel Tsunashima combined for 64 points to put the lone unscathed team to the brink of defeat, before the Tigresses escaped with a 25-15, 27-25, 23-25, 26-28, 15-13 win.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
Veloso was satisfied with how his wards played their hearts out against the No.1 seed, proving that they can compete at a high level.
“I’m so proud of the team. We played with one of the most strong teams. My players showed they can play at the same level,” said the Brazilian coach. “I think everybody can see this team can play at a high level because not only because our team played very well but the other team played too. I don’t know but I think today was one of the best matches, both sides played strong service, block, and defense, I’m so proud. I’m so happy.”
“I like the phrase: Sometimes you win, sometimes the opponent wins, but every time we learn. Okay. This is exact for the situation.”
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The veteran tactician, who also handles the Philippine men’s volleyball team, likes the progress of the rebuilding Blue Eagles so far as they’ve been giving their all not only in the UAAP but also at school.
“I know it’s so hard when you change the mentality but you need to do your best inside the court and your best inside the class,” Veloso said.
Lyann de Guzman and the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Aeason 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
“This, for me, is so important. And now, when in the most important tournament for the season, the players show me they improved. This is the part of the job. We need to work hard, day by day, season by season and I’m so proud of this program.”
De Guzman, who led Ateneo’s gallant stand with 22 points, was also proud of her teammates after showing what their young squad is capable of and she hopes to keep on trusting themselves and show more consistency to unlock their full potential.
“My teammates didn’t give up and they showed their fighting spirit until the end. They played on and followed the coach’s system regardless of the situation,” the Blue Eagles skipper said in Filipino. “Our mindset was to give our all because we have nothing to lose. All of us worked very well and I’m so very proud of my teammates because even when our opponents were leading, we didn’t stop digging the ball and helping and communicating with each other.”
Hoping to keep their Final Four hopes alive with a 2-6 record, Ateneo hopes to assert its mastery of the University of the Philippines (1-7) on Sunday at the Big Dome.