UAAP: Doromal, Ateneo get boost from ex-Blue Eagles in sweep of UP

Ateneo Blue Eagles libero Roma Doromal.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Roma Mae Doromal was grateful for the timely boost given by former Ateneo Blue Eagles, who cheered for them in their straight-set win over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday.

Faith Nisperos, Maddie Madayag, Deanna Wong, Jem Ferrer, Dzi Gervacio, Jaja Maraguinot, and Jamie Lavitoria showed their support at Araneta Coliseum, inspiring the Blue Eagles to sweep the Fighting Maroons, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, and keep their Final Four bid on track.

“Of course, we really appreciated the support of our alumni. They inspired us and at the same time we know how they played well for Ateneo so we hope to [replicate] what they did for our school,” said Doromal, who protected Ateneo’s floor with 13 excellent receptions and eight digs, in Filipino.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Zel Tsunashima.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Zel Tsunashima, who top scored with 16 points, agreed with her team captain that their alumni and fans energized them to improve Ateneo’s record to 3-6 behind No.4 Far Eastern University (4-4).

“I got a huge confidence booster for us because one of my motivations is to play my best in front of them and make them proud of our team. And of course, we’re super happy to see them,” Tsunashima said in Filipino. “That really helped us. During the game, we saw and heard the big crowd of Ateneo. They energized us, especially our dedication to do our best for the Ateneo community.”

Doromal, the libero team captain, added that their young team also received a big boost from the Ateneo community, who even looked for donors for the clappers during the game.

“We;re thankful to all our supporters, especially the Ateneo community. We really appreciate their support, especially those who looked for donors for the clappers. We’re more inspired to play and represent Ateneo,” she said.

Besides their fans, the graduating defensive specialist said the team’s good start in the second round is a result of embracing their respective roles under coach Sergio Veloso.

“I feel like now, we embraced our respective roles more and at the same time, we already discovered that this is the real Ateneo,” Doromal said. “This is the result of the hard training. We’re happy and grateful and we’re excited to show our talent every game.”

“Hopefully, we will be more aggressive and continue to embrace coach Sergio’s system for us to reach the Final Four,” she added.