Before the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament began, expectations for Ateneo de Manila University were modest.
The Blue Eagles were still reeling from the departure of key players who had turned professional, including last season’s biggest names, Faith Nisperos and Vanie Gandler.
Additionally, the school decided to replace former head coach Oliver Almadro with Brazilian tactician Sergio Veloso. Despite Ateneo’s young and unproven lineup, Veloso aimed high, targeting a return to the Final Four.
Although the Blue Eagles fell short, finishing with a 5-9 record for fifth place, it was an improvement from their sixth-place finish with a 4-10 record in Season 85.
They even pushed Final Four-bound teams National University and University of Santo Tomas to five sets before faltering. Despite not reaching their goal, Veloso considered this season a significant victory for his young Ateneo team.
“For me, victory is not only when you win. Victory, for me, is when you hit your target.
“Like when the opponent wins, it’s my victory too if we play consistently, show our fighting spirit, and demonstrate what we’ve practiced. For me, it’s a victory too,” said Veloso, who has 36 years of coaching experience.
“My feeling for this season? It’s a very, very big victory because I can feel all players understand this situation, how we can improve, and how we can play better over time,” he added.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Veloso emphasized that improvement was the biggest takeaway for the Blue Eagles this year as they look forward to the next season.
Rising hitters Geezel Tsunashima and Sobe Buena are tipped to lead the charge, while they await the decision of Lyann De Guzman, who is still undecided about her future plans.
With a season filled with learning experiences under their belts, Veloso has no doubt that the team will perform even better next year.
“The most important thing was how the players improved this season. Our second round was very good, and everybody could see how our team played together, within the system, and consistently,” said the first-year Ateneo coach, who has handled 22 Olympic medalists in his long career.
“Sometimes, we made mistakes, but it’s part of the game. Nobody is perfect, but what’s most important is how you play after the mistakes, after the bad situations, and never give up,” he added.
“I’m so, so happy with this team, and I think if the team continues with this mindset, we can play even better next season too.”
