WHILE preseason discussions on the UST women’s volleyball focus on senior Sisi Rondina and rookie Eya Laure, one player is out to make a difference for the Tigresses in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball.
Milena Alessandrini is eager to come up with better performances as the Tigresses try to rise from a forgettable Season 80 with only four wins in 14 matches.
The Fil-Italian won Rookie of the Year honors and has been named Rondina’s co-captain for this season, and she is taking the designation seriously.
“We have different expectations this year because we worked hard to be ready for this season and we want to do better than last year,” Alessandrini said.
“I have the responsibility for the team. I have to do my best everytime,” she said. “It’s a new experience. Thank you to my coach for this responsibility. I hope that for the team it’s okay. I need to be more present.”
The 6-foot-1 outside hitter believes one of the steps to take to be an effective co-captain is to communicate better with her teammates.
“It’s our goal that UST wins the title this season 81,” Alessandrini said. “We will always do our best in everything this UAAP and communication is important.”
“I will do my best and play good volleyball,” she added.
But she stressed that there are times when she needs to let her game to the talking.
“In English I can speak with the team. I’m a little bit better now. In Tagalog I can understand but I can’t speak,” she said.
Alessandrini is also hoping to deliver more consistently and avoid getting hurt after missing most of the first round last year due to a shoulder injury.
“I can manage my shoulder, I can control. Hopefully, it’s good,” she said.
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