BY GWEN BERGADO
EARLIER this year, AC Miner took on a new responsibility aside from being the co-captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Once a middle blocker for the Blue Eagles, Miner is now embracing the role of being the squad’s opposite hitter – a role where she looks totally comfortable in despite the sudden change before the UAAP Season 87 started.
In their five-set marathon win over University of the Philippines last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Miner had her imprints all over the victory, chipping in 19 points to backstop Lyann de Guzman’s 25 point night.
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Despite being placed in an unfamiliar territory for the first time, Miner shared how she believes it’s working.
“Actually, before pa magstart ‘yung season, nagpplay na ako as opposite” the 22-year-old stated. “On paper, nakikita ko naman na nagwowork sya.”
Her 17-point outing was a fitting follow-up to her career-high 23 points over UE the last time out.
The veteran Blue Eagle detailed that it was in their Japan training last January when Coach Sergio Veloso asked her to play as an opposite – even before the team suffered consecutive blows after losing three of their players to injury.
It showed the trust that Veloso has in the versatility of Miner, as the change came not out of necessity but a tactical one.
“One time, nasa Japan lang kami, pinag-opposite niya ako,” she said.
“But then since na-injure nga yung tatlong wings namin, doon na ko nag step up sa pagiging opposite.”
However, Miner admits that there are still a lot of things to work on for her as one of the team’s newest wingers.
“As an opposite, kasama yung defense sa likod. Defense siguro yung pinaka-kailangan kong iimprove,” she said.
“I think my problem is like mostly mental. So the physical aspect is like always there pero ang madalas ko kasing kalaban is sarili ko.”
The Katipunan-based team will look to extend their win streak to three as they will face Adamson on March 29.
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