Hobbled by a right shoulder injury, La Salle’s graduating captain Desiree Cheng has not had many standout moments in the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball Tournament until Wednesday afternoon.
With her team coming off a disheartening loss to UP last Sunday, Cheng led La Salle’s bounce back against National University, scoring a season-high 17 points and spearheading the three-set win.
The 22-year-old Lasallian admittedly had extra motivation to perform better after a lackluster 11-point outing against UP.
“Extra motivation is hindi ko na papayagan na magkaroon ng talo basta-basta ‘yung team ng ganun-ganon lang. Ang hirap sa part namin na makabangon from a loss,” said Cheng, who stands 5-foot-8.
“Dine-dedicate naman namin lahat ng panalo namin sa coaches namin. Grabe ‘yung sakripisyo nila. Kami din, for my teammates and lahat ng sumusuporta. Para sa kanila na lang talaga.”
Now in her final year, Cheng wants to be at her best every match, regardless of her physical condition.
“At times kasi parang iisipin mo na parang wala kang nagawa. It’s a team sport pero dapat lahat gagalaw. Ikaw isa sa mga inaasahan, pero parang wala ka. Ang hirap sa part ko,” she admitted.
“Pero hindi ko naman siya iniisip ngayon. Motivated akong bumangon talaga. Motivated akong gisinging bawat isa na parang… tama na, marami pa tayong makakalaban na mas malakas.”
