Ateneo de Manila University’s mantra under Sergio Veloso has never been more vital: Strong mind.
Faced with adversity and a depleted roster, the Blue Eagles turned to AC Miner and Zey Pacia, who embraced new roles and showed unwavering mental fortitude to keep their team afloat.
Entering the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, the Blue Eagles considered themselves a solid team, retaining key players from last season while also adding promising recruits.
However, adversity struck early. Ateneo suffered three season-ending injuries to key spikers: JLo Delos Santos just days before the season opener, Geezel Tsunashima in their first game, and Sobe Buena on Sunday, March 9.
With these setbacks, AC Miner and Zey Pacia were thrust into the wing spiker position, despite both being natural middle blockers.
Miner and Pacia have since embraced their new roles, leading Ateneo to a thrilling 20-25, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 15-13 victory over the University of the East to close the first round on a high note on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Miner paced the Blue Eagles with 23 points on 20 attacks and three blocks. Meanwhile, Pacia delivered an all-around performance with 17 points on 12 spikes, three aces, and two blocks, along with 14 digs and 10 receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ayun nga po, since short kami sa tao, 11 na lang kami, we embraced every role na binibigay ni coach and fill-in lang talaga kung ano yung makaka-help sa team lagi,” said Pacia, now in her second year.
“One-hundred percent lang lagi saka iniisip lang namin na kapag nandito sila (injured teammates), ganito rin yung ipapakita nila so kami yung may opportunity to play kaya kami yung magbibigay ng ganoong play.“
Veloso emphasized that his philosophy has always been centered on mental toughness, a mindset he instilled in the team from day one.
“When I met with the players during my first day last season, I told them my philosophy is to have a strong mind. Now, it’s the time to show this. Because we prepare in the whole situation and mentally, I know it’s hard but the players understand this,” said Veloso.
The Brazilian coach expressed his gratitude to Miner and Pacia, commending their willingness to embrace new roles despite the challenges.
He particularly praised the two FEU-Diliman High School products for stepping up and elevating their game in the face of adversity.
“You have here two great examples. AC, she is a middle, and when she played in the middle, she was good. When I needed to put her in the opposite, she was very good too. This is good for us. Our team needs this in the situation now because we have only nine hitters,” said Veloso.
“Pacia’s the same. Pacia last season, she was a middle. I’m so proud, so proud because they understand this. Congrats because I know it’s hard,” he added.
#WATCH: Coach Sergio Veloso lauds AC Miner and Zey Pacia for stepping up as Ateneo fights on despite injuries 🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/pid3qy8sOw
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 15, 2025
