Did you notice how the games yesterday were very similar to the quarterfinals game last May 05? It's just that this time, the results were reversed. In the May 05 game, UST defeated AdU in 5 sets and ADMU lost to NU in 3 sets. Yesterday, AdU defeated UST in 5 sets and NU lost to ADMU in 3 sets.
So what brought up the reversal of fortunes?
In the UST vs. AdU game, I think it was the confidence and strength the Falcons have developed in battling with NU for the finals seat. The Adamson girls have mastered the art of staying composed and focused no matter what the score is. UST and AdU are just very well matched. I'm expecting another five-setter next Sunday with no idea who will win.
As for the second game, it was a HUGE surprise. Although everyone expected the Lady Eagles to give a better fight due to the addition of Jeng Bualee, I think very few expected a 3-set win for the Katipunan-based squad. In fact, many were guessing that NU will win again but in more than three sets. Well, it did not happen.
What made the 3-set win possible for the Eagles?
1. Confidence. This word spelled a world of difference for the two teams. Ateneo coming from a sweep of the Lady Tigresses in the semis and with Bualee on their side, played coolly. They were able to minimize their errors, come up with good receptions, performed better serves and were able to execute their attacks well. NU on the other hand played like they were unsure of themselves. Was it the crowd of Ateneo fans? Was it the pressure to get their first championship title? Whatever it was, they need to overcome that in game 2.
2. Bualee. Of course, everyone expected her to deliver yesterday and boy, she did! She's like the missing piece in the Ateneo puzzle. She added those powerful and well-thought of middle and running attacks that the Lady eagles needed against NU, a team that has very strong middle players.
3. Surprise! Ahomiro! This has got to be her best game yet. She scored a total of 6 points (4-attacks, 1-block, 1-ace). Now six points might not seem too much but how awesome she played defensively made her the Player of the Game. Gorayeb has been training his reserve players hard defensively and it showed. Plus, the fact that NU prepared for Valdez instead of Ahomiro created an impact on the Bulldogs' defense. They pretty much were clueless on how Ahomiro played since she's not really being used in big games.
Honestly as an Ateneo fan, I felt so good when I heard about how well Ahomiro played. Maybe there's hope for Ateneo in Season 76. Yeah!
Back to the game, I guess NU has to be prepared for anything in the second game of the Finals. They never know what the well-experienced Gorayeb might come up with. The Ateneo bench just seems so much deeper now. Gorayeb can pull out a surprise weapon or two. Plus, the Lady Bulldogs have to gain back that confidence and swag they had when they were in the quarterfinals. They had more individual awardees. They even got the MVP title. They have everything they need. They just need to use it properly.
I can't wait for Sunday's game. More surprises please!
O diba? May ibubuga pa ang Ateneo!
ReplyDeletekaya lang 4th plyng year na ATA ni Amy. Sayang magaling panaman siyang tunay bago ppa siya maiinjure g ACL ba yun aheheheh
ReplyDeleteYeah. I think wala silang confidence. That's not how dindin plays. :)) Bawi sa second game.
ReplyDeleteito ang tunay na ateneo fan. pumupuri ng ibang team pag kailangan , kudos sa admin ng blog nato
ReplyDeleteYou own the twitter handle @volleybloggerph diba? Pwede mag-suggest na you do an article on volleyball fans and their idols? I totally agree with you kasi na these athletes also owe it to the fans who have remained loyal to the sport (after so many years being in the back-burners) making them famous personalities in the community now.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand na these student-athletes have lives outside volleyball, I think it wouldn't hurt if they can spare some minutes to thank their patronizing supporters who travel from provinces pa just to cheer them on during games or nagdadala ng pasalubong or gumagawa ng trivial fanpages for them. Tapos ang panukli pa nila ay magtaray. They are where they are today thanks in part to the fans who have been there for them. The simplest of courtesy or appreciation for their supporters' efforts wud be enough.
Kaya sana nagagawa nilang iset-aside yung attitude nila para sa mga taong kahit di sila lubusang kilala ay minamahal at sumusuporta sa kanila in their games no matter what. Yes, makulit kadalasan but that's coz gusto nila pasayahin or lambingin yung idols nila. Pag SINABIHAN NAMAN NANG MAAYOS ang mga fans eventually mauunawaan rin nila. Kaso snob agad or tatarayan agad gaya ng ibang players sa twitter.
Sorry if this is lengthy pero may mga players kasing mabilis lumaki ang ulo nang hindi nila naiisip na yung fame na tinatamasa ang dahil sa mga fans. Is it so hard to just be thankful? "For whom much is given, much is expected."