Emotions ran high for the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses after their loss to the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, Sunday evening.
After a convincing triumph in the first round against the defending champs, UST struggled mightily in their crucial second meeting, costing them solo second in the standings.
The Tigresses gave up 44 errors, most of which came from attacks. Despite Rondina and Eya Laure combining for 39 points, the rest of the UST lineup fell silent – most especially opposite hitter Dimdim Pacres, who had just one point.
After the match, Laure was visibly upset as she struggled with efficiency throughout the match. In UST’s near half-hour post-game talk, players voiced out their frustrations. This was their exercise of leaving emotions from this loss in the SM Mall of Asia Arena dugout.
“Kami naman, hindi na kami nag-dwell sa nangyari sa game. Pero yun nga, kung makikita niyo, medyo emotional nga kami. Pero ngayon naman, standing strong pa rin,” said Laure.
“Madami, madami akong natutunan – na madami pa akong kakaining bigas talaga. And kailangan ko pa matutunan na i-compose din ‘yung sarili ko after every, ano talaga. Hindi pa sapat ‘yung mga natutunan ko sa first round or beginning ng second round.”
Rondina was staunch as ever after the match. She knows teams have to go through rough patches like these to grow.
“Ganoon talaga. Kapag talo, marmi kaming pinag-usapan. Overall, okay lang naman. Wala namang… Ang maganda doon, wala namang nasaktan. Hindi pa naman tapos ‘yung laban,” said the Cebuana.
“May nanalo, may natatalo talaga. ‘Yun ang in-explain namin kanina. Hindi naman kami natalo, natuto lang. Hindi naman big deal ‘yun, hindi namin iluluksa ‘to. Ginusto naman ng La Salle ‘to, mas ganado sila. Kita niyo naman, maraming off (sa amin). At least, ang maganda doon, natututo kami.”
