Kathrina Epa had long dreamed of representing National University in beach volleyball, a dream forged through years of perseverance and heartbreak.
Epa and her partner, Chantal Rodriguez, dominated the UAAP Season 82 High School Beach Volleyball tournament, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record in the elimination round to secure a spot in the Final Four.
But their championship aspirations were cut short when the season was canceled due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
As sports began to resume post-pandemic, Epa faced another setback—an ACL injury in her right knee.
The injury forced her to sit out Seasons 85 and 86, despite rigorous preparations with Kly Orillaneda through the Beach Volleyball Republic.
Yet, even in the face of these challenges, Epa never wavered in her belief that she would one day return to the sands.
“Hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa. Nanalangin ako sa Diyos na makabalik sa larangan ng beach volleyball at tsaka mabigay ko sa team namin ‘yung pagsisikap ko na maging champion,” shared Epa, a native of Bais City, Negros Oriental.
Season 87 marked a turning point. Epa was finally included in NU’s lineup, with a monumental task ahead: to secure the school’s first-ever beach volleyball championship.
“Nung the past few seasons, nakita ko po ‘yung eagerness ng coaches ko na makalaro ako kasi alam nila na kaya kong i-all out lahat ng meron ako, kaso nga lang po na-injure. Kaya noong na-line up ako, ni-ready ko po ‘yung sarili ko spiritually, mentally, and physically. Grabe po talaga ‘yung kapit ko sa sarili ko,” Epa said.
The anticipation was palpable.
“Una, excited po ako kasi first time eh. Ilang years din po ako naghintay at hindi pa nakalaro. Na-feel ko na, ako na pala maglalaro,” she added.
As the season’s final day approached, Epa and her partner, Honey Grace Cordero, braced themselves to face the formidable University of Santo Tomas duo of Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella, both members of the national team.
In a thrilling championship match, the Lady Bulldogs achieved what no other team had done in six seasons: dethrone UST’s Tiger Sands. The 21-16, 19-21, 15-11 victory marked a historic milestone for NU.
“Nung semis pa lang po alam ko na po (na kakayanin) kasi ang lagi kong sinasabi sa sarili ko is ‘All for You!’ Takot at pressured, pero nung nasa court na ko at nakita ko na ‘yung pride ng supporters ng NU community, doon ko sinabi sa sarili ko, ‘Hindi, wala nang susunod. Championship na ‘to.’ Nung nanalo nga po kami, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na nag-champion na ko,” Epa recalled.
“’Yung mga nagco-congratulate sa akin, pati sila umiiyak kasi alam nila na grabe ‘yung eagerness ko na makalaro before.”
Epa also drew inspiration from her former teammate, Kly Orillaneda.
“Ginawa ko na rin lang din na inspiration si Ate Kly. As a senior, dapat mag-move forward. Dahil nga hindi nila nakuha ‘yung championship before, try ko sa sarili ko makuha ‘to. Pati si Grace, alam niya ‘yon,” she said.
For Epa and Cordero, this victory was a culmination of years of hard work, determination, and passion.
With her return to the sands capped by golden hardware, Epa is determined to ensure that this success is only the beginning as the Lady Bulldogs aim to build on their historic triumph.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
