DANI Ravena's impressive showing in Game Two of the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball finals shouldn't really come as a surprise.
After all, she's getting pointers from a Mozzy Ravena.
The young libero was impressive in Ateneo's 26-24, 14-25, 25-21, 25-15 victory over University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday that sent the best-of-three championship series to a deciding Game Three.
Little tips from her mom surely helped, especially with the Ateneo libero having to deal with UST star Sisi Rondina's thunderous spikes.
"Sinasabi ko lang palagi na dapat yung kamay niya, nasa gitna ng face at ng (floor). Always lang ganoon kasi mabilis ang bola ni Sisi (Rondina)," said the Ravena matriarch, a former UST player during her time.
Mozzy agreed that the power of Rondina could overwhelm even the best defenses. She's not the Season MVP and Best Scorer for nothing.
So she's just glad that her daughter did a solid job on defense.
"Dapat pumasok ka pa talaga ng konti kasi matulis talaga yung angle ni Sisi eh. Hindi siya yung usual [spikes] kaya kailangan may adjustment ka kay Sisi dahil sa angle ng palo niya," she said.
Dani did exactly that, leading the Lady Eagles' tough defensive stand with her 22 digs and 12 excellent receptions.
The elder Ravena, however, was quick to point out that hers were merely pointers and Ateneo's title hopes still rely on the battle plan of coach Oliver Almandro.
"It's still Coach O pa rin. Kung ano ang game plan niya, 'yun ang masusunod," said the mom. "Ako, tips lang din."
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