Rebuilding Ateneo de Manila University women’s volleyball team is set to lose captain-libero Roma Mae Doromal as she announced on her last game in the UAAP that she will turn professional.
“I will go pro, let’s see kung saan,” shared Doromal after Ateneo swept Adamson University on Wednesday.
But it could be even heavier as Blue Eagles top spiker Lyann De Guzman also contemplates her future with the team.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Actually, I’m still deciding pa but let’s see,” said De Guzman, who was in tears and was beside Doromal during the hymn.
Doromal already earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication last year. She could have left already, but ultimately decided for one last run with Ateneo.
De Guzman, a product of Far Eastern University-Diliman, is still eligible for two more years in the UAAP. However, she is already in her fourth year in school.
For the defensive specialist, the decision to come back for a final year was worth it as the Blue Eagles made improvements by leaps and bounds during head coach Sergio Veloso’s first year.
Ateneo finished Season 86 with a 5-9 record at fifth place, better than its 4-10, sixth place finish last year.
“Nung nag-decide ako na mag-stay, hinanap ko talaga yung purpose ko. And staying sa kanila, nakita ko yung purpose ko na tulungan sila,” said the 23-year-old Doromal.
“Siyempre sobrang proud ako kasi nakita ko yung progress ng teammates ko, na buo kami. From preseason pa to first round and second round, nakita ko yung improvement ng team na sobrang marami kayong makukuha sa kanila,” she continued.
Doromal ranked fourth in digging with 3.58 per set and sixth in receptions with a 42.04-percent efficiency rate.
Aside from the two, Geezel Tsunashima and Sobe Buena proved themselves as hitters that the Blue Eagles can lean on next season. Meanwhile, second libero Sarah Hugo also had shining moments in her limited floor time.
