The Ateneo Blue Eagles ensured the presence of injured teammates Zel Tsunashima and Jlo Delos Santos would still be felt on the court during their UAAP Season 87 matches.
Despite being marred by injuries, the Ateneo Blue Eagles came out with a show of force in a three-set loss to defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday afternoon.
The team from Katipunan rallied behind their fallen teammates Zel Tsunashima and Jlo Delos Santos by having their names on the outside of their shoes.
[RELATED: NU rams past depleted Ateneo for 2-0 start in UAAP Season 87]
Among Ateneo’s leaders, Lyann De Guzman said they made the gesture to show the Blue Eagles were offering everything that they’ve got this season for both Tsunashima and Delos Santos, who were vital scorers in the team.
“Sabi nga namin, ide-dedicate namin itong game sa kanilang dalawa. Lalo na kaming mga senior, kila AC [Miner] at Taks [Fujimoto], sobrang close kami kila JLo at Zel. Para sa kanila itong season na ito,” said De Guzman.
The veteran hitter acknowledged that it was a difficult time for the team, as they also had to see Fujimoto stretchered out of the court just last weekend after breaking her left shin in a five-set loss to the Adamson Lady Falcons.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Ateneo dealt blow as Zel Tsunashima, Jlo Delos Santos suffer season-ending injuries]
But with the help of her teammates, De Guzman said that they would be able to get through it.
“Emotionally, alam naman natin ‘yon na mahirap talaga. But sabi namin sa isa’t-isa, magkapitan lang talaga kami. Wala ‘eh, accident talaga tapos kapit lang sa isa’t-isa. Nakakasad, pero nandiyan yung teammates namin to cheer us up,” she said.
As for what they can do to get the breakthrough win, De Guzman said that they are seeking consistency, especially after giving up a reverse sweep loss to Adamson on opening day.
“For me, consistency lang talaga [kailangan namin]. Kakasabi lang ni coach kanina, kailangan namin sumunod sa nagiging strategy at system niya.” she said.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Sergio Veloso urges Ateneo to have ‘strong heart, strong mind’ amid injury woes]
Ateneo hopes to find that breakthrough victory when they face familiar rivals UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.