Nothing matches the euphoria of an upset win in front of a home crowd
The Philippines’ win over Vietnam in the Asian Senior Women’s Championship was every bit unexpected as it was dramatic. If against South Korea, the fans flocked the exits to the Alonte Sports Arena well before the game had ended, this time they stayed and absorbed the glory of the win over Vietnam.
For the players, this win was vindication — showing that all the support thrown at them by both the fans and the LVPI has been worth it.
They wanted to feel worthy of all the attention and the trust; to show that their Japan training camp could spark the continuous improvement in our volleyball program.
Most importantly, they wanted to prove to each other that they could collectively bring the Philippines back to prominence in volleyball.
“Kanina, lahat ng pinasok kung titignan mo mata sa mata, makkikita mo ‘yung drive manalo. Makikita mo sa itsura pa lang nila na gusto nila bumawi para sayo,” commented the team’s vocal leader, Aby Maraño.
“Lahat ng ginagawa namin para sa kasama namin kasi may malasakit kami. Nakita niyo ‘yung collective effort ng bawat isa.
“Malaking bagay ‘to para sa amin kasi ayaw namin masayang ‘yung inensayo namin sa Japan. Ayaw din namin biguin ‘yung mga taong nagtiwala sa amin. Ngayon, napatunayan naman namin na meron kaming na-improve. Meron naman tayong kayang ibuga. Kung continuous lang ‘yung training, patuloy ang pag-improve natin,” Maraño added.
Alyssa Valdez, who scored a game-high 20 points — including the three crucial markers that ended each of the Philippines’ won sets — echoed the same pleasure in the unison of fans, stakeholders, players, and coaches. For her, it’s our unique heart that glues us Filipinos together.
“Pusong Pilipino na hanggang di natatapos ang laban, lumalaban talaga.
“I think everyone inside the court, outside the court yung mga fans, coaching staff nandoon ‘yung puso sa larong ‘to kaya iisa goal natin, iisa puso natin, iisa hinahangad natin in today’s game,” the Batangueña declared. “Siguro, tayo as Filipinos and as volleyball players, gusto nating ipamalas, atipakita uli sa buong mundo na paunti-unti nagtatry tayo na lumalaban, para sa bayan.”
