If there was one person who powered through adversity in University of Perpetual Help’s unlikely triumph over College of Saint Benilde in the NCAA Season 94 semifinals, it was Cindy Imbo.
The graduating open hitter essayed her best game ever, tallying 32 points — eight of which came in a back-and-forth fifth set.
When the Lady Altas were down big in the fourth and fifth set, Imbo knew she was what her team needed most.
“Siyempre unang-una talaga, nagpe-pray ako lagi, nagpe-pray ako sa lahat ng sets, lalo na po noong naghahabol kami sa fourth set,” thought the 24-year-old Imbo.
“Nagtiwala lang ako sa sarili ko, sa mga teammate ko. Wala po akong ibang sinabi sa kanila na sa amin ‘to.”
Perpetual head coach Michael Cariño lauded his wards performance. Since coming back to the Las Piñas-based program, Cariño admits he focused on improving Imbo.
“Believe ako kay Cindy. Simula noong dumating ako sa Perps, struggle ako dito. Pinagityagaan ko talaga,” said Cariño of his relationship with Imbo.
“Sabi ko dapat nagkakaintindihan tayo. Noong na-realize niya ang worth niya sa team, siya kasi ang sparkplug ng team. Sabi namin every time pangit ang laro mo nadadamay ang team, every time na maganda ang laro mo, nakakahawa.”
Reaching the Finals for the first time since Season 90, Imbo wants to make the most of this run.
“Kumbaga tinodo ko na pa ito. Pipilitin na po namin hanggang Finals, hanggang mag-champion.”
