WHILE Ateneo continues its search for its first win in UAAP Season 88, there was a ray of hope coming from their fourth consecutive defeat.
Rookie Ana Hermosura starred in a performance that helped the Blue Eagles hand archrival La Salle its first set loss of the tournament - a milestone all of them considers something to celebrate in its own right.
READ: La Salle downs Ateneo even after dropping first set of season
“For me po, it’s a big win for us,” the 19-year-old Hermosura said.
“Our starters are mostly rookies and sophomores, so taking a set off La Salle shows what we can do and gives us experience to build on.”
Indeed, three of the blue-and-white's first six are first-year players, while two more are just in their second season.
And winless through their prior three games, they were facing a Lady Spikers juggernaut that had just rampaged through playoff contenders Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, and the University of the Philippines.
Meaning, everybody outside Katipunan expected La Salle to breeze to another sweep.
Ateneo had other plans, however. And for now at least, it can claim to be the only team to have gotten a set from the Lady Spikers.
Rookie rising star
As a newcomer, this breakthrough was a big boost to Hermosura herself, especially after she tallied 18 points - all from attacks - against the Taft towers.
“For me po, I’m just enjoying my rookie season. Siyempre, wala pong pressure sa akin, so I can focus on learning and improving. I’m really thankful to the Lord kasi binibigyan niya ako ng healthy season,” she stated.
“I’m really playing for Ateneo. Ever since I was a kid, it’s been my dream. Kaya for me, every point is so important. It motivates me to play harder,” she added.
And so, the final score may have yet again favored La Salle, but the Blue Eagles still sent out a statement that they are no pushovers, with the confidence and capability to steal a set even from the teams to beat.
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