Due to undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy four days ago, Ateneo Lady Eagles starting libero Dani Ravena was reduced to a mere spectator in the first Ateneo-La Salle volleyball match of the season.
Thank you for all you prayers!!! ? love you all ? pic.twitter.com/ZWOnrWkrzi
— Dani Ravena (@ravenadani) February 27, 2018
But nothing can stop UAAP’s 10th best receiver from supporting her squad. Saturday in the Mall of Asia Arena, Ravena still wore her jersey, sat in Ateneo’s bench, and participated in huddles. And when her team fell short in the hands of their arch-rivals DLSU Lady Spikers, she stayed and pressed on.
“I can’t stop myself from watching an Ateneo-La Salle game.
“Kind of sad na nanonood ka lang tapos wala kang magawa pero you know God has a plan na lang for me, positive na lang iniisip ko,” the youngest of the Ravena siblings said.
Congratulations La Salle! ? Ateneo will bounce back ??? #Believe
— Dani Ravena (@ravenadani) March 3, 2018
Due to her absence, fellow libero Ria Lo had to carry most of the receiving load for the Lady Eagles.
“I’ve always believed in Ate Ria.
“I know she is doing her best. Siguro nga dahil Ateneo-La Salle there’s pressure and other factors. Pero yun, we fell short. Walang sisihan, kasi we are a team, mali ng isa, mali ng lahat,” the 17-year-old added.
As of Wednesday, the Lady Eagles placed seventh in the league in terms of receiving. After today’s match, they have still yet to improve on their floor defense.
Their problem with receiving was glaring in the rivalry match as La Salle picked up 16 service aces.
Bea De Leon also expressed that things could have been different had Ravena saw action.
“Very critical talaga ‘yung wala si Dani. But, what can you do?
“Sabi ni Coach Sherwin [Meneses] ‘di ka pwedeng maghanap ng wala. The test of a good team is kapag wala ang isa, dapat kaya pa rin,” expressed the fourth-year Lady Eagle.
Ravena confessed how tempted she was to enter the court and contribute but her experience as a spectator just strengthened her desire to recover faster.
“Every moment nung game parang gusto ko pumasok,” the rookie disclosed.
“Super gusto ko pumasok, naka-jersey ako pero siyempre bawal. Doon ko mas na-feel na I really want this.”
As the Lady Eagles enter the second round with a 4-3 slate, they wish to have their defensive specialist back in a span of two to three weeks.
“Kakabalik ko lang sa house, I came from the hospital two days ago. I’m doing okay naman, medyo sumasakit pa rin pero ayun. According to the doctor four weeks pa pero hopefully two to three weeks lang kasi hindi naman siya stitches, different siya. Hopefully talaga na it’s faster recovery.”
