Lycha Ebon had gotten used to sitting on the sidelines and watching the FEU Lady Tamaraws go to work after suffering a season-ending knee injury at the beginning of the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball Tournament’s second round.
But to start the Final Four, Ebon saw it fit to make a statement.
Already decided on not playing, Ebon still donned the FEU jersey and warmed up with her teammates.
The 19-year-old native of Davao even held a substitution number for much of the match, just to signify her support.
FEU ended up winning and forcing a do-or-die match against the Ateneo Lady Eagles.
And Ebon could not be happier.
“Sobrang proud po ako kila ate kasi pinapakita nila sa mga natitirang games namin na kailangan naming manalo,” she shared, adding that she wanted her team to feel complete.
“Na kailangan naming makuha ‘yung goal namin.”
It was a gesture that the Lady Tamaraws sincerely appreciated.
“Gusto niya mangyari yun. Ayaw lang niyang nasa crowd siya, gusto niya nandoon siya sa team,” said head coach George Pascua.
“It gives us, I guess, more fight seeing she wants to help the team,” skipper Jerrili Malabanan added.
Just as her sisters-in-arms lifted her when she was down, Ebon made sure to be there for them as well.
“Para hindi ma-feel nila ate na incomplete kami. Siyempre, team kami, dapat buo pa din,” she shared.
“Decision ko din po ‘yun na ‘di na maglaro. Mahirap din po kasi kung i-risk ko pa ‘tong tuhod ko. First year ko pa lang dito kaya napagdesisyunan ko din po na hindi na maglaro.”
All for one and one for all.
