TOUGH training paid off for Adamson University stalwart Mylene Paat as she scored eight of the team’s service aces in their win over University of the Philippines, 25-9, 27-25, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.
The returning AdU middle blocker, who was converted as opposite spiker for the game, feasted from the service line as she unloaded six aces in the first set alone.
“Para sa akin, makatulong sa team is my ano, pinaka-goal ko talaga. So ang work sa team, andoon na ang pinaka-goal namin, sobrang happy ko lang kasi ano, nagkaka-bunga, 'di ba,” said Paat, who did not suit up last season.
For Lady Falcons coach Air Padda, who holds at least three hours of grueling practice everyday, she’s proud to see her wards, especially Paat, deliver.
“They know my philosophy, I'm really tough on them in training when it comes to serving and passing. I believe serving and passing and defense win championships,” said the outspoken American coach.
“They know they're on a tight leash and it's really a mental game when you get back there on the line. With Mylene in particular, she knows that sometimes she struggles with her serve, so I was very proud of you today,” she added.
Padda, though, did not forget to compliment the entire team citing that the 17 service aces exceeded her expectations.
“That was shocking to me. I didn't expect to get 17 aces for the match,” said Padda of the much-improved Lady Falcons, who only won one game last season.
Adamson is currently at the solo third spot with a 2-1 win-loss record behind unbeaten teams National University (3-0) and three-peat seeking La Salle (3-0). And it's something that puts a big smile on Padda's face.
“I think it just goes to show, me as a coach, I have to look back and say that my team is growing,” she said. “There's growth there, because if I had to define us, I wouldn't define us as a strong serving tough team, I would define us as a really strong defensive team.”