For the last two years, Jules Samonte had been out of her comfort zone, playing the open spiker position for Ateneo.
After all, the 5-foot-9 spiker did not have to play the middle since Bea De Leon and Maddie Madayag were there.
But in her senior year, Samonte returned to her original position. And it was as if she never missed a beat.
“The last time I was a middle was in my first year sa college. Binalik ako ni Coach O this year. I still have a lot to learn,” shared the product of La Salle-Zobel.
“Nanibago ako from being open and then utility and then middle again.”
Though she again needed to adjust her game, Samonte shared that she needed to take one for the team.
Moreover, she had De Leon and Madayag to guide her along the way.
“During training, kahit in and out of training, they still visit us and guide us so siyempre, nakakatulong pa rin sila. Sinasabi nila laging no pressure dapat.”
In Ateneo’s sweep of University of the Philippines, Samonte tallied three blocks to go along with two aces and six spikes. Her performance drew praise from Almandro himself, who said that a good volleyball player knows how to adjust when needed.
“Well, Jules had three blocks so I guess that speaks for itself na naka-block siya. That’s good for a middle blocker, she did her job. I’m grateful that I have players like that. They heed to the needs of the team and they adjust right away,” said Almadro.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila a good player ay magaling mag-adjust at the right time.”
