The Ateneo Blue Eagles ended their four-game losing streak in convincing fashion.
While the Ateneo Blue Eagles are at the bottom half of the standings with a 2-5 record, they will enter the second round of the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Tournament coming off a resounding win. On Sunday, the ladies from Loyola defeated the UP Fighting Maroons in dominant fashion. Coach Oliver Almadro expressed relief and appreciation as his squad pulled off the much-needed W.
“We missed this feeling. I thank the Lord for giving us the strength. And I thank the players for accepting the challenge. I challenged them to take pride and have a strong character in this game,” Coach O said after their straight sets victory.
Right before getting their second win of the season, the Ateneo mentor sent his players an encouraging message, saying that the game against the Fighting Maroons will be the team’s jump-off point moving forward.
“Sabi ko nga sa message ko sa kanila kaninang umaga, ‘Today will be a start of something for tomorrow,’ so sana ganun nga talaga ‘yung mangyari sa team.”
His positive reinforcement worked as Vanie Gandler and company ended the team’s four-game skid. Coach O credited the Blue Eagles, as well as their supporters, for rising to the occasion.
“Through the prayers of those fans na nagdadasal [para] sa’min kahit talo kami, through their prayers, magkakaroon kami ng strength and character… So ‘yun thank you, sa mga players na ‘to na nagpakahirap,” Almadrio said while sitting alongside Gandler and Faith Nisperos.
So, is the victory over the Lady Maroons a sign of things to come for Ateneo in the next round? The competition ahead is tough. But at least, the Blue Eagles have something tangible to build on for the time being.
(With reports from Ranier Mira, One Sports Digital)