Throughout her UAAP career, Bea De Leon made her name for her fierce on-court personality coupled with fluid athleticism. A Bea De Leon quick hit is often followed by a fist pump and emotional burst for the Lady Eagles and their fans.
So far in the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, the points have not come as easily for the graduating middle blocker. In Ateneo’s first three matches De Leon tallied just 17 combined points on subpar efficiency by her standards.
Whether her slump stemmed from the team’s reception or her individual mindset, the 5-foot-11 middle blocker might have ended her slide against the University of the East Lady Warriors.
The Poveda product sizzled for eight points on an 80-percent attacking clip, helping the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles to their most decisive win of the season.
“It was a big boost naman. If you saw naman my output the past three games, it wasn’t where we want to be. But I thank coach (Oliver Almadro) talaga for giving me the confidence and the trust pa rin kahit na ganoon ang nagiging output. He always tells me not to worry kasi part of it is, siguro nga, it’s my last year,” shared the 22-year-old De Leon.
“You overthink and gigil na gigil ka to do your best. But definitely, I put my mindset back to whatever helps the team, kahit simpleng makakuha lang ako ng blocker, sobrang laking bagay na yun para ma-free up si Kat (Tolentino) or sila Ponggay (Gaston). I put my mindset na back to the basics.”
Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro insisted that De Leon was an integral part of the team, regardless of her statistical contributions. He believes De Leon will continue to find her stride as the season moves to the latter stages.
“Well, for the past few games, I just told Bea not to worry. Sometimes hindi ko naman kailangan ‘yung points niya, kailangan ko lang ‘yung leadership niya. So with that, ‘wag na siyang mag-worry. Kasi, if she’s worrying about making points or helping in terms of statistics, sabi ko I don’t need that,” said Almadro.
“I just need your leadership, I just need your presence there. I just need yung right way in what you’re doing. Bea sacrificed a lot. She’s been practicing all week, nagsasarili yan. All the players naman, they have their mindset of what to improve.”
