At around 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Justine Dorog was in the University of the Philippines dugout in the FilOil Flying V Centre puking. She had puked so much and felt so nauseous that she fainted.
It was the first day of her menstrual period, and she was cramping badly. Most days, Dorog would have pushed through the pain and went on with her day. But this time, the pain was too much to bear.
She was rushed to a nearby medical facility where she received treatment. Except there was a game to play later – UP were playing for the top spot against Katipunan neighbors Ateneo Lady Eagles.
Never mind the pain. Dorog wanted to help the Lady Maroons win.
“Feeling ko, hindi ko na lang talaga naisip ‘yung sakit.
“Though, meron namang pain pa rin. Siguro, kung gusto ko talaga… Sa mindset ko, gusto ko talagang maglaro and manalo. Hindi ko na inisip kung ano nangyayari sa akin,” shared Dorog, who is celebrating her 21st birthday in three days.
Dorog made it in time for official warm-ups and eventually played over two sets, managing four points.
UP, however, came up short in three sets. As one of the team’s seniors, Dorog is confident UP will bounce back.
“Siguro, bad day talaga sa aming lahat. Pinag-usapan namin kung ano ‘yung nangyari. Sana mabawi namin sa next games,” the native of Catmon, Cebu said.
“Sana. Sana magising kami sa katotohanan sa kung ano talaga nangyari sa team. Sana ma-overcome namin ‘to ngayon.”
For now, Dorog has earned praise from head coach Godfrey Okumu, who believes the fourth-year winger is one of his most reliable players.
“I’ll just say we are grateful again to have players like Dorog, who have a very strong heart, always ready to go when they’re called upon,” the Kenyan mentor shared.
“We’re just lucky, that’s what I can say.”
