For continuing to steer the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles’ scorching hot offense, setter Deanna Wong earned the SMART Sports/UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week honors for games played from March 21 to March 25.
With Wong setting the table, the Lady Eagles continue to lead the league in spiking efficiency (31%), despite ranking sixth in digging (11.2 digs/set) and reception efficiency (25.5%).
The Cebuana showed her ability to turn trash into gold in Ateneo’s last two outings. Wong tossed 50 excellent sets against the University of the East Lady Warriors, before dishing out a career-high 63 excellent sets and leading the Lady Eagles’ comeback over the Adamson University Lady Falcons.
Coming into Season 80, Wong faced her fair share of doubters as she was replacing all-time great setter Jia Morado. Instead of focusing on matching Morado’s production, Wong prioritized her team’s needs first.
“Actually hindi ko napapansin or I really don’t mind,” the 19-year old playmaker said when asked about her career game. “Ang nasa head ko lang is how I can chase the ball, how I can set the ball kahit mis-receive. It’s a good thing but it’s better talaga if we win.
“Kahit anong number ‘yan hindi naman ‘yan magma-matter if we lose.”
Having clinched at least a playoff for a Final Four spot, the Lady Eagles remain hungry and eager to improve their chemistry.
“It really all boils down to character and what coach Tai (Bundit) always says; ‘Heartstrong’ talaga ‘yung nakapunta sa isip namin eh,” expressed Wong.
“We trust our teammates lang and we encourage each other back. No matter what happens just play our best and everything else will follow.”
Wong beat out her teammates Kat Tolentino and Jhoana Maraguinot; University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses ace spiker Sisi Rondina; De La Salle University Lady Spikers libero Dawn Macandili; and Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws setter Kyle Negrito for the weekly honor.
