Rookie Em Banagua continues to be a pivotal piece in University of Santo Tomas’ dream start in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament following another steady showing on Wednesday afternoon.
Banagua was tasked to fill in the void left by seniors Imee Hernandez and KC Galdones, and has been nothing but impressive so far, playing a key role in the team’s best start since Season 73.
“For me, yung mindset since di kami yung pinaka matangkad na players ginagawa ko po siyang inspirasyon na i-prove sa mga tao na nag-step up ako,” said Banagua, who had seven points in the straight sets win over University of the Philippines.
The 6-foot product of UST High School and the rest of the Golden Tigresses are a win away from sweeping the first round and eclipsing the 6-0 start of Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Rhea Dimaculangan in 2011.
And that is a big inspiration for Banagua, who strives to become a solid contributor for UST in the long run.
“For me po, ginawa kong inspirasyon sila ate and respeto din na kailangan kong mag-make a name for the team, tapos ma-contribute ko yung kaya kong gawin at le-lessen ko yung pago-overthink,” she said.
Banagua also expressed his utmost gratitude to the Golden Tigresses’ coaching staff for playing a key role in her growth both on and off the court.
“For me si Coach Shaq [delos Santos] and yung tatlong coaches na focusing in the middle, si Coach Shaq, si Coach Rico [De Guzman] and Coach Toto [Robertly Boto], it’s a really great factor dahil fino-focus talaga nila kagabi and yung small details and blockings po.”
