Sobe Buena showed nerves of steel in Ateneo’s hard-fought four-set victory over a gutsy Adamson side in the first round of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday night.
Coming off a massive letdown in the third set where they failed to close out the game after leading by as big as eight points, the Blue Eagles were once again on the brink of falling apart in the fourth after another strong performance from the Lady Falcons.
Adamson even led by a solitary point in the latter part of the fourth set, 21-20, before Buena took over and got things done for Ateneo.
The young wing spiker scored four of the team’s last five points to help the Blue Eagles arrest a two-game skid and notch their second win of the tournament.
“For me, it was important na hindi mawala ‘yung spirit of laban hanggang dulo. That third set loss was a bit disheartening pero ang inisip ko lang para matulungan ‘yung team is continue to fight, continue to play in coach’s system and really trust each other and play together as a team,” said Buena, who finished with 22 points in the victory that put them at 2-4.
“I think I need to step up din at nakikita ko na nage-effort ‘yung teammates ko. Nakikita ko na lumalaban sila. I just want to contribute to that and be part of our team’s victory,” she added.
Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso lauded Buena for stepping up to the plate and never giving up despite the tough challenge presented by the Soaring Falcons, especially in the end-game.
“First, the players need to continue to play and never give up because the score ends when you do two points after 24 or 25. When it’s at 24-24, you go for two, you go for two, and you never give it up. This is the first because you have a chance,” said Veloso.
“Second, you need to stay with a strong mind in the hard moments. Because in the hard moments, if you follow the system and you keep [following it] in the match, this is important because one good opportunity can be a big difference in the score,” he continued.
The Brazilian tactician liked what she saw from Buena in the clutch and noted how she stayed mentally strong despite the high-pressure situation.
“I’ll give an example. Now, the last point, Sobe (Buena) received two balls, three balls, and she didn’t stop. Once she receives, she hits, no matter, and she finished.”
