Ateneo Blue Eagles: The Climb Back to the Top

The Climb Back to the Top
The 2008 UAAP Champions Ateneo Blue Eagles
(adapted from the forthcoming book, The 18th Banner; this also appears in the recent Ateneo publication On Campus)
by rick olivares

The Green Archers had bragging rights for exactly 279 days. That’s 279 days the Blue Eagles had to stew things as they prepared themselves for the mother of all redemptions.

Amongst the Ateneo Blue Eagles and team officials, they liked their chances heading into Season 71. Only there were a lot of ifs.

They needed another double-digit scorer to replace the 14.2 points they lost when Ford Arao graduated. Skipper Chris Tiu was actually the only other player to hit more than 10 points in a match with 12.4. Over the last few years, Tiu has proved to be not only a steady point-maker but also a clutch player. Opposing defenses would no doubt be geared to stopping Ateneo’s main man.

The coaching staff looked to Jai Reyes, Kirk Long, Eric Salamat, and even rookie Ryan Buenafe to provide some offense, but the one person they were hoping to pick up the slack was Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

The team is meticulously composed. Players aren’t recruited simply because they are highly-touted. The team looks for intelligent yet talented players who will fit Black’s system of fastbreaking offense yet are tenacious on defense.

Al-Hussaini was to play caddy to Japeth Aguilar who started at center when Paolo Bugia graduated. But a confluence of events led to the former Mapua Red Robin moving to the United States to play for the US Division I school Western Kentucky after his sophomore season. And Al-Hussaini found himself the default man in the middle for Ateneo.

“People don’t understand,” recalled Coach Black. “We lost Japeth Aguilar not just for that season, but for the next few years.” It set back our plans of bringing up players through the system. The upside though is it forced others to pick up the slack.”

But his time had come. In the 2007 CCL Championship against the UV Green Lancers, Al-Hussaini repeatedly took it to the Cebuanos’ big men and outscored their entire starting frontline (including the 6’11” Gregory Slaughter, Rino Berame, Ariel Mepaña, and Sylvester Tangcongco). And for his efforts, he made the mythical selection. In the title-clinching match against UE in the Nike Summer League, Al-Hussaini led all scorers with 18 points.

Now against the rest of the league, Rabeh was the number one scoring option inside. And against La Salle in both squads’ first match of the UAAP season, Rabeh would get to prove it.

Even when La Salle raced to a luxurious six-point lead at 67-61 early in the fourth in both squad’s first game of the year, the Ateneans had this quiet confidence that they had one more run left in them.

As the green gallery revved up their “Animo La Salle" cheers, Eric Salamat thought to himself, “I’ve had enough of this.” With Jobe Nkemakolam reminding the Green Archers that he’s an inside force to contend with and Al-Hussaini standing toe-to-toe with La Salle’s frontline, Salamat’s drive gave the lead to Ateneo for good 69-67. As he backpedaled on defense, Salamat tapped his chest. “All heart, baby,” he cried. “All heart.”

In the gut check time of the last two minutes, the Blue Eagles made 8-11 free throws to ice their first victory of Season 71 at 79-73.

Whereas in the past two seasons, the team would win games by the skin of their teeth, in Season 71, the Blue Eagles would pound foes into submission as the juggernaut got going.

The one exception was that heart-stopping second round win that had all the ingredients of that patented Ateneo comeback.

Since 2006, Ateneo has been involved in 15 matches that was decided by three points or less and in the final seconds of play. The final score was a result of either a game-winning shot or a game-winning stop.

The Blue Eagles won 11 of them with Chris Tiu accounting for five (JC Intal had three of the wins while Doug Kramer two and Kirk Long one).

Tiu was involved in every one of those wins. It is a testament to his ability to stay in the game and for his end game heroics.

In the game’s final minutes, UE’s high-leaping forward-center Elmer Espiritu called for the ball and an isolation against Nonoy Baclao. It might have been a foolhardy act considering he was going up against the most intimidating defender in the league. But for jumping jacks like Espiritu, they live for the challenge and the opportunity to posterize a fearsome defender. In fact, a few months earlier, UE’s #9 scored a facial on Sam Ekwe in PBL action.

With 4:09 left in the fourth, Espiritu ditched Baclao with a nifty up-and-under move for a 48-41 UE lead.

On Ateneo’s trip to their court, Ryan Buenafe replied with a huge trey 48-44 still UE.

It was at that point that Espiritu waved off his teammates to take on Baclao one-on-one. This time, Ateneo’s Mr. Extra Possession for his ability to grab offensive rebounds stopped the Red Warrior.

As the Blue Eagles raced down, UE’s former Rookie of the Year and starting point guard Marcy Arellano momentarily forgot Chris Tiu’s whereabouts. Rabeh Al-Hussaini found him wide open from the right side of the arc for another three and the lead was down to one 48-47. 2:59 left in the game.

And after Hans Thiele banked in a 20-footer that restored a three-point lead for UE, Ateneo called a timeout.

With 35.4 seconds left, there was time for a quick two points and a defensive stand, but a tightly-guarded Chris Tiu bobbled the ball and he was forced to pass it to Al-Hussaini with the shot clock perilously winding down.

The Blue Eagle Captain, who during practice liked to engage his teammates in a game of horse and trick shots, got the ball back then dribbled towards the right side of the rainbow arc. After Tiu ditched Marcy Arellano with a pump fake, he then took a three with James Martinez lunging towards him.

The ball found he bottom of the net for a 50-all tie with 13.6 left in the match.

UE fumbled its throw-in in their next possession thanks to some great man-to-man defense by Kirk Long and Yuri Escueta. And although Ateneo missed a shot as they recovered the ball with 1.5 seconds left in regulation, it was clear that the tide had turned.

There was still some Black magic in the air.

In Ateneo’s first overtime game of the season, they once more came back from the grave when UE led 57-54 after Espiritu put back an Arellano miss.

Buenafe added a free throw while Al-Hussaini drained two of his own that tied the match at 57-all.

Poor execution off a pick and roll play by Arellano and Espiritu resulted in a fumble that Al-Hussaini recovered.

With 24 seconds left, Buenafe showed utmost moxie for a rookie as he beat former high school teammate Paul Lee with his deceptive first step then laid up the ball with an up-and-under move of his own over Thiele and Espiritu for a 59-57 lead that they would not surrender.

The 61-57 win spurred the team to sweep the second round and by the time they faced UE in the Final Four, Ateneo found itself with two opportunities to prove itself before it became UAAP champions for a fourth time.

UE and DLSU run very similar systems as they are both coached by the Pumaren brothers Dindo and Franz.

The Red Warriors were no match for the Blue Eagles as they ran their foes off the Araneta Coliseum floor with a 70-50 victory that was settled around halftime.

And for the second time in the Norman Black-era in Loyola Heights, Ateneo was in the UAAP Finals and against its most bitter rival, the De La Salle Green Archers.

Said Tiu, “I’m glad that we’re playing them (DLSU). It gives us more motivation.”

While Ateneo went into the Finals arguably huge favorites to annex their 18th title overall, the series was not without its drama and memorable moments.

In Game One, Ateneo had 14 turnovers in the first quarter alone. But what was even more telling was that the Green Archers never led at all. As bad as Ateneo was playing on the offensive end, their defense – their hallmark all year long – held up and DLSU was shooting blanks.

With the team stymied, it was up to Al-Hussaini to carry Ateneo on his broad shoulders in a game for the ages.

After a severe ankle injury the Friday before Game One, the 6’6” center who was a strong MVP candidate, showed up on the maple floor of the Araneta much to the dismay of the La Salle crowd. Al-Hussaini single-handedly carried Ateneo to victory on the strength of his 31 points and 9 rebounds.

By the time Nonoy Baclao erased Rico Maierhofer with a block that recalled a past totem when Larry Fonacier emphatically rejected archer Mark Cardona in 2002, it was to serve notice that the door was shut on their title retention aspirations.

And once more it was Ateneo’s time.

Having swept the season-ending awards, all that was left was to finish the job on the court before the highly-anticipated bonfire in Loyola.

There was some concern that the team might come out flat after the awards ceremony given the enormity of the situation. The Green Archers were obviously going to be all fired up.

“Don’t worry,” promised Baclao. “Focused kami.”

“Hindi na namin papatagalin pa,” added Al-Hussaini.

In Game Two, after two quick fouls were called on Al-Hussaini, the slotman told Tiu before he went to the bench, “It’s your turn.”

And for the graduating super-senior who took months to ponder on his return came through in the clutch as he’s always done in his great college career.

Tiu finished in double digits but as the Blue Eagles have done all season long – save in Game One – the finished the job as a team. All 10 Blue Eagles who checked into the match scored. When the inevitable La Salle run came in the third quarter, Ateneo held fast as it turned to its league-leading defense to stifle the Archers.

In the fourth finals match up between the two teams in the UAAP, the Ateneo Blue Eagles repaid one final debt after years of heartbreak when they beat the De La Salle Green Archers 62-51 for their fourth UAAP title and 18th overall (including the 14 in the NCAA).

It was Ateneo’s fourth championship victory in six meetings with La Salle as well.

The Blue Eagles showed everyone that they too can come back.

And the victory too isn’t just for the next 200-plus days but forever.

Presenting the 2009 Ateneo Sports Calendar

Hey, ya'll! Take a gander at the cover of the first ever Ateneo Sports Calendar. Right now, either it will be available Sunday night or Monday. Stay tuned for more details on how you can get this. We'll bring out the high-end version first and the other versions within the month.

Here is the featured team by the month:
January - Men's Football
February - Track and Field
March - Women's Football
April - Men's Volleyball
May - Women's Swimming
June - BBB
July - Men's Basketball
August - Women's Basketball
September - Men's Judo
October - Rowing
November - Fencing
December - Women's Volleyball
January 2010 - Men's Baseball
February 2010 - ARPT

The other teams will be in the other versions of the calendar like Women's Rowing, Badminton, Taekwondo, Men's Baseball (all six of the dudes we took pictures of), and Track and Field. As much as we'd like to fit in everyone in one calendar it's kinda impossible. We trust ya'll understand.

We were also supposed to include other players on the cover -- well we planned on having two covers but some couldn't make it while others didn't get the message. Sorry for the mix up!

And please sign up in our Facebook product account. Be a fan! Type in: Ateneo Sports Calendar and you know the drill.

Cheers!

Ateneo Women's Volleyball: That "Grudge" Match That They Had to Win

That “Grudge” Match That They Had to Win
Ateneo vs. UP
25-23, 25-22, 25-11
by rick olivares

There was pressure to play UP their record notwithstanding. Despite the lofty positions of DLSU and FEU with respective 4-0 and 3-1 slates, the race to the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Championship is wide open and the Ateneo Lady Spikers are an intriguing mix to the competition.

How many times have you heard it’s a young team that plays tall in spite of that fact and yet at the change of courts, suddenly plays like every bit their age?

How much fun is it to watch a team you want to badly to win?

Playing five-setters is a test of character but it’s also courting disaster. You know what they say when a competition goes to its ultimate game… anything can happen.

Of course, the UP Lady Maroons are not going to keel over and give a game away. Not only are they taller but there’s added incentive for both teams to win because of their coach. Or in the case of the Ateneo Lady Spikers… ex-coach.

Although the Ateneo women’s team made the Final Four last season, their off-season was marred by a less than amicable parting with Coach Ronald Dulay who departed for UP while trying to tag along the heralded batch of freshmen recruits. And prior to Dulay moving to Loyola Heights for the head coaching position, San Sebastian’s Roger Gorayeb was also considered for the position. Now the two friends were in an odd position of trying to win one over the other with either one not wanting to lose.

"We," thought Ateneo Captain Bea Pascual before the game, "have to take this game and not go to another five set match."

And as is the case whenever Ateneo and UP face one another, whatever their position in the standings are no quarter is going to be given.

Which explains why Ateneo wasn’t having an easy time against their counterparts.

The first set was a battle on equal terms but UP forged a 23-all tie. A crucial side out was earned by Ateneo before they put away their foes 25-23.

In the second set, it was the same trend until the Lady Eagles broke from a 12-all tie behind a kill by Angeline Gervacio and back-to-back blocks by Gretchen Ho on UP’s Rebecca Montero for a three-point lead. But the Lady Maroons would not go away and creeped back in 21-20 after Amanda Isada scored on an ace.

Pascual gave her side possession after UP misplayed her spike then rookie Fille Cainglet added an ace of her own to inch closer to a two sets lead.

When a Gervacio spike checked out off Sheila Salaysal, the Lady Maroons not only lost the second set 25-22 but had the wind knocked out of their sails in the final third as Ateneo played better defense to complete their first three-setter of the tournament 25-11.

After the match, Dulay quickly ducked out as Gorayeb heaved a sigh of relief. With NU the remaining team on the 2008 schedule, the Ateneo team can possibly finish at 3-2 and properly prepare for La Salle and UST come the New Year. “Ang importante masaya din yung mga bata,” he declared. “Paginisip mo, kung may nakuha man kami na kahit isang laro nung laban sa Adamson o sa FEU mas maganda ang katayuan natin. But makakarating din tayo diyan.”

Reload for the title run, Rafa

If Liverpool is going to mount any serious threat to unseat the hated Manchester United from their lofty position they'll need help as so far Fernando Torres has been ineffective and Robbie Keane has been a non-factor. And getting Tottenham's Aaron Lennon who is a superb winger blessed with great speed. In the last World Cup, he came off the bench and provided a nice spark for England. Hopefully, he does what he does best in Liverpool's starting eleven.

More pix from Sports Nation

Martin Tanco of the sailing association talks about the sport and invites us to go sailing this January! Oh yeah! Martin is the dude in a blue polo in the third picture below.

Thanks to the Comm folks for the feature

http://acomm.org/commotion/?cat=6

Ateneo Men's Volleyball Match 4: Rarefied Air

Rarefied Air
Ateneo vs. FEU
25-19, 25-23, 25-16
by rick olivares

There were a little over a dozen people inside the gym yet it sounded like a big match was going on.

Inside, the Ateneo Men’s Volleyball Team was getting their collective butts chewed by its Head Coach Oliver Almadro. After leading the way in the recent Miranda Cup Volleyball Invitational Tournament, the team faltered in the stretch with poor play and a lack of cohesiveness.

Almadro read them the riot act and his voice reverberated throughout the cavernous Blue Eagle Gym. When he was done, the new coach (who served as an assistant to Ronald Dulay last year) thought he lost his team. Instead, heading into Wednesday, December 17, 2008, they were riding a three-game win skein and now they were up against last year's first runner-up Far Eastern University who were still a formidable crew even if they lost quite a few starters to eligibility.

When your team has been to the nether regions of sporting infamy (read: losing and losing badly at that), any undertaking like this is history.

They had not taken a set nor beaten FEU in a decade. They had not won four straight in more than a generation and they had not been a joy to watch since… their last match when they came back from behind to beat La Salle.

Almadro not only developed a proper and high impact training program for the team but the players were beginning to round out into their own.

Team captain AJ Pareja was heavily recruited to play for other big programs (one other team manager ridiculed the Ateneo team for not even having male models lined up) but he instead chose to go to Ateneo where he became the first ever recipient of a volleyball scholarship. Standing a tall six foot four, his spikes can be very devastating and with his height, he can be a force at the net. But instead he played below his potential.

With newfound focus and maturity, Pareja was not only leading his team in scoring but has been a legitimate MVP candidate. He’s learned better to find the right angles and trajectory to bombard foes who have been mostly unable to receive those powerful smashes of his.

“I can’t tell you how good this feels,” he faltered at describing his feelings about the team’s standing. “But we’d like to keep this going.”

But for them to keep the win streak going, they needed to raise their desire and intensity on the court.

Playing at the Arena in San Juan, you might have confused the FEU team as the one ruling the leader board as they yelled, cheered, pumped their fists, and talked smack.

Almadro called time and asked them about their timidity on the court. It was a simple reminder to kick some butt and play some winning Ateneo volleyball. And the team responded with some superb defense and playmaking.

One of the keys to the team’s success has been the play of setter Ed Ortega. Now getting more minutes, he has been more vocal on the court calling out plays and setting up his teammates. But where he has been invaluable is his blocking at the net.

With Julborg Africa out on account of academics, Duane Teves has stepped into the starting six and provided thunderous production as an open spiker and with his serve that has made it difficult for opposing teams to receive and execute.

And another key weapon has been JR Intal. With Macky Limgenco and Mark Salvador having graduated, Almadro needed someone to step up. And he had a long talk with Intal.

The coach knew it wouldn’t be difficult to prod the third year player to take the challenge. “After all, I knew he came from a family of athletes and alam ko na gusto niya ng challenge,” said Almadro.

And Intal has responded with a game that has given the team a different dimension. His off-speed spikes and dinks are probably the most unorthodox and entertaining shots to see in college sports since Mark Cardona was lofting those hook shots for La Salle in the basketball tournament. They have been difficult to defend and anticipate. “It’s crazy as it has no spin to it,” marveled Ateneo Volleyball Program Head Sherwin Malonzo.

With Ortega, Teves, and Intal combining with Timmy Sto. Tomas, Pareja, and libero Vian Serranilla (and Xavier Senoren), Ateneo found their bearings and took the first set 25-19.

Tamaraws Coach George Pascua challenged his besieged team, "Finalists kayo last year. Pakita niyo!"

And the Morayta squad made a game of it as they forged a 23-all tie after a Teves spike off Kirk Beliran was ruled a side out. Almadro protested the check out that wasn’t called but he quickly regained his composure and sued for time. “Atin na ‘to. One stop. Receive lang na maganda and ibaon niyo na.”

Intal responded with a block on FEU’s Jan Paglinawan who is a contender for Rookie of the Year 24-23 Ateneo.

On the next play, Intal against stopped FEU’s counter for the set point and a 2-set lead by Ateneo.

By the third set, Ateneo put on a clinical display of teamwork, defense, and playmaking as they made short work of the FEU who for the second successive game went down 1-2-3.

It was the first time Ateneo beat FEU in a decade and taken three sets from them in succession. It was also the first time in over three decades that a Blue Spikers squad has posted a 4-0 record.

“This is new territory for us,” beamed a happy Almadro. “So we’ll take it one game at a time.”

There were some four dozen people inside the gym. Yet from the sound of it, you wouldn’t think that an exciting volleyball match was played.

But it resounded with the singing of the alma mater song by a team that is showing the promise of greatness. And Almadro this time stood behind his team with proud yet humble eyes.

My Top 10 People of the Year

Ayt, effendis. Here are my fave people of the year and in no more particular order. These people made the year memorable and downright interesting:

1. Shigeru Miyamoto (Wii + Nintendo = genius)
2. Barack Obama (Don't let us down, Barry!)
3. Nonoy Baclao (Presenting the Captain of next year's Ateneo Blue Eagles... along with Jai Reyes and Rabeh Al-Hussaini)
4. Michael Phelps (IMHO, the three hottest tickets in Beijing were the Redeem Team, the track and field events, and this Man from Atlantis)
5. Tony Blair (yeah the former British PM has his lows but he was cool in a way)
6. Dylan (the Peep Show host rocks)
7. Robert Downey Jr. (the return of the comeback in a most memorable way. Tony Stark lives!)
8. Manny Pacquiao (the King of the World)
9. Kurt Streeter (LA Times writer who has come into his own. Very insightful.)
10. Heidi Klum (the Queen of the Swimsuit)

Wildcard Interview

Was interviewed for an upcoming episode of Wildcard on Studio 23 (Saturdays 630 pm and hosted by Aaron Atayde and Frances Fleta). Had a blast chatting with Aaron Atayde about sports on and off cam.

Here are my answers to the UAAP/NCAA questions. I'll post the NBA and PBA questions/answers tomorrow. I think I said most of what I planned to say.

Aaron: What are your predictions for Season 72 of the UAAP – basketball and other sports?

Rick: Well, we still have a long ways to go more so since the year isn’t over. But for the question’s sake, for basketball, Ateneo does not have a lock on the repeat title. They’d love to win it again in its 150th year and I imagine they’d put their best feet forward for that, but it won’t be easy. La Salle and FEU will have reloaded big time to counter Ateneo – with height and lots of firepower. For the Blue Eagles, they’ll need to find a way to replace the presence and influence of Chris Tiu. You all saw it in the other tournament (PCC) when they were looking for another source of points. Of course missing Ryan Buenafe was huge as well. But Tiu opened up that lane for Rabeh Al-Hussaini to post up. But what they need is a gunner. A big time gunner. If you ask me they got lucky last season without peppering foes from the outside. Now everyone will adjust to their inside game unless the find that shooter. Could have been Clark Bautista.

As for other sports – volleyball has just started and is picking up every year in terms of popularity. Football is just around the corner.

There is a renewed interest and focus on collegiate sports and the UAAP in general and that is good for the sporting scene.

Aaron: Who will be the team to beat next season?

Rick: Of course, it’s Ateneo. Until they can pry away the title from their cold dead fingers then the road to any championship has to go through Loyola Heights. They have quite a lot to fix on that team if they want to defend their crown successfully.

Look for Nonoy Baclao to amp up his scoring too.

As for Eric Salamat, Norman Black said he was the King Eagle in waiting because Chris Tiu was still around. But with the ascent of Rabeh, either he waits another year or he takes over now. Some say he has a place in the starting unit. Hard to say with both him and Ryan Buenafe playing similar styles of play. I like him off the bench but he's definitely earned starter's status now. And what I like about him is that opponents have no easy baskets with him around.

Aaron: Do you think Rabeh Al-Hussaini will dominate and repeat as MVP?

Rick: It is very possible. In 2006, he gave everyone a glimpse of what was to come when he was unloading double figures as a beneficiary of the open looks he got from JC Intal and Macky Escalona. And when Chris Tiu became the man he found himself a nice complement to the captain. But as we saw in the second round or even in the off season, Rabeh is already capable of holding his own. I think he has a few more tricks up his sleeve for next year. I was talking to the UST players and they all noted how different a player Rabeh had become once he got his confidence going. If he doesn’t step up next year Ateneo will be in trouble.

Aaron: With Sam Ekwe, Pong Escobal, and Kelvin De La Peña gone, who do you think will emerge as the NCAA’s MVP.
Rick: Well there are the Letran guys like RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra. There are the JRU holdovers but they all have to learn when to pass the rock and when to take charge rather than mindlessly firing away but that’s their game isn’t it? But I think Ogie Menor is ready to strap his Red Lions onto his back for an unprecedented four-peet for San Beda.

Sam Ekwe made that team go. His presence gave Yousif Al-Jamal, Menor, and Escobal the right to fire away because they new Big Sam was there to collect the garbage. Sudan Daniels should help but the onus is on Menor to be the man. Hard to guard a guy with that size, strength, and speed. And he knows how to pass. The thing is his shooting is still suspect, something he will need in the pros because I don’t imagine he’d be playing anything but the 1 or 2 spots.

Aaron: Some people say that Sudan Daniels is a bust.
Rick: Isn’t that a little too early to tell? Those who saw the off-season leagues saw him get double figures in spite of getting double or triple-teamed. We’ll see though but any designs on the NCAA crown they’ll have to do battle with the team from Mendiola. He doesn’t even need to pour in a bucket of points. All he has to do is defend the lane and his teammates can score.

Aaron: You’re the only one to say that San Beda will repeat…
Rick: Really? Shows everybody what I know, huh? (laughs)

Aaron: What has the UAAP done right and wrong?
Rick: The best thing they’ve done is partnering with ABS-CBN because we’ve seen an unparalleled growth in the league – in terms of exposure and popularity. What has it done wrong? By changing commissioners every year and by passing stupid rules that sanction one team this year but benefit another.

Aaron: How can the UAAP improve the way the games are managed? What does the league have to do in order to improve the officiating in basketball?
Rick: That is something that isn’t indemic to the UAAP. It has been bad all these past years but it’s only now that the stink has gone up. To improve the officiating one has to also work with the SBP because all the refereeing orgs have to be streamlined, trained, and sanctioned. People say the officiating in the PBL is far superior. You have obviously not watched a PBL game for those who say that. Not calling fouls when there are obvious ones doesn’t mean players will be better basketball players.

Aaron: You have become an influential writer and one of the most-read ones today and you have a popular site. How has the internet, in particular sports-dedicated websites and blogs, changed the way how the UAAP and collegiate sports is viewed by fans and supporters alike? Do you think it’s been good or bad for the league? Why?
Rick: Thanks for the generous praise, Aaron. Hahaha. But I really began writing years ago and I think there are a couple of things that helped: writing my column my own way as opposed to the traditional style of writing, my girlfriend putting them up in a blog, and writing for Ateneo which created an audience, and now expanding to other schools.

I think before people, fans like me, didn’t have a venue to share their thoughts, comments, rants and complaints about the games. Forums can tend to be faceless but blogs… one simple post can change things.

The digital and internet age has put things within everyone’s grasp. Information can be shared at the snap of the finger and those able to communicate it fast and even skillfully. I think online stuff has been good and of course bad. But publicity helps.

Aaron: There has been talk about the UAAP accepting a new member and the possible expansion of the league? Do you think it’s necessary? If yes, who should the UAAP consider adding as a new member of the league?
Rick: I think that is a step in the right direction. Accepting a new member means change of which many are afraid. But think of the dynamics and new synergies. One can’t be too selfish all the time. It’s high time they did. That is why the off season tourneys are intriguing because you get to see your teams play different squads. And that is fun and challenging.

Sleepless in Seattle

When I opened my email late this afternoon, I had a pleasant surprise when I saw an old friend write. We worked together for a few months in the Upper East Side in NYC before he moved to Washington. Said he was a fan of Killswitch Engage and he hoped to put up his own band over there. Hahahaha.

I am reprinting his letter in full even if he takes a shot a me. Bwahahahaha! Seattle's lovely and in some ways it reminds me of Chicago minus the soul food and culture. Anyways, here's the guy we all called "Marvelous." And yeah it's a nice nice place, but NYC is it, Marv!


Beam me up, Rickman!

Greetings from the Great Northwest! Howzit going, bubba? It has been years since you were last in these parts anyhow. When are you going back?

Was in SanFo the other month on a tour of the city’s most haunted houses. It’s creepy but if you ask me, it’s a bleeping scam. Hollywood magic maybe even.

You were asking about life in the Emerald City since the Sonics left? Welcome to mediocre city. Where the Mariners and the Seahawks suck n I have to drive two and a half fucking hours to Portland to watch the Blazers. The Blazers, man! Them Blazers. Bu they got a good team there, dog. It works.

As you like to put it, sacrilege! Hehehe. Hell, we all miss that big brain of yours. Sweet tells me that you’re on the tube now, ho? Fancy blogger, you a star now? You be on ESPN but you doing local TV.

But talk about them Blazers -- it’s the only game in town although it’s like 144 miles away. Thunder my Black American ass! They have no history in OK City. Bring them back to Seattle, Stern-doids.

So we watch the Zags rock but college hoops is on only fer a while.

Man, you look bloated! Gained weight. You still ballin? Lay off them caramel fraps, bitch! Hehehehe. I know you like them.

Yo, speaking a coffee. Remember that joint ya like….Cherry Street Coffee House? They opened a new one in 1st Avenue and Clay. I think there’s even a newer one. Yeah brag all you want about your beloved Astoria and your Greek fare, but Seattle… c’mon… admit it! You love Seattle!

Tough without the Sonics man. And now my X-Man jersey – the Champs version not them adidas and Reeboks --- costs a bleepin’ fortune. I be rich like Paul Allen, yo!

Out like the Sonics in Seattle.

The Marvelous

The Champ is here and so is Chinese Democracy!

Guns N' Roses! Whoooo! Axl Rose rides again. Time to bring out those old albums GNR Lies, Appetite for Destruction, and Choose Your Illusion. Sorry, the Spaghetti Incident doesn't work for me. Anyone remember how "You Could Be Mine" was used in Terminator 2?


And there's the new issue of Rogue with two different covers: Manny Pacquiao on one and Angel Locsin on the other.

Bleachers' Brew #137 The 3rd Annual Brewskies

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3290:bleachers-brew&catid=31:sports&Itemid=65

The 3rd Annual Brewskies
by rick olivares

At the end of every year, we at the Bleachers hand out the Brewskie Awards to people, athletes, and teams that have made the world of sports even more interesting if not controversial.

Permanent Red Card (also recipient of Amateur Filmmaker of the Year Award)
Dennis Balore for taking videos using his camera phone of female volleyball players inside their locker room.

Chernobyl Award
The New England Patriots for the worst possible meltdown at the worst possible time in Super Bowl XLII.

National Pride Award
The English Football Association for hiring Italian coach Fabio Capello to oversee their national team’s climb back to respectability and to the English Premiere League for showing to the world that English players are second class citizens in their league.

Tenement Prophet Award (as presented by Simon & Garfunkel)
New York Giants’ wide receiver Plaxico Burress for verbalizing his team’s belief that they could upend the hitherto undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Home Wrecker Award
Brett Favre for being wishy-washy about playing for the Green Bay Packers, retiring, then months after the team has moved on decides to comeback and throws everyone into a fit before suiting up for the New York Jets.
Runner-up. The Basketball Association of the Philippines. What part of “you are no longer the recognized cage body of the country” do you not understand?

Don Quixote Award
The proposed UAAP-NCAA merger by the SBP. A poorly handled affair if there was ever one.

The Tim Donaghy Integrity Award
NABRO. More popular than Chris Tiu (not). It would be a miracle if these guys officiate Season 72 of the UAAP.

The Easiest Yet Most Painful Buck I’ve Made Award
David Diaz. Outboxed. Outfought. Out of Manny’s league. But he’s got several cool millions and can tell his kids, “Yeah, I fought the Pacman and stood toe-to-toe with him.”
Runner-up. Oscar De La Hoya. He got his Dream Payday Match. Am I so glad Manny Pacquiao punched his clock.

The X-Files Award
Far Eastern University’s Mac Baracael. The truth is somewhere out there.

The Sweet Sixteen Award
The Chinese gymnasts. Do you honestly think that these kids will not tell the truth? You mean it’s possible?

Most Outstanding Citizen of Boston Award
Manny Ramirez. After being a vital part of two Boston Red Sox World Series Champion teams and running around the outfield after being granted American citizenship, Ramirez asked to be traded (he went to the LA Dodgers), took several shots at the Bosox and campaigned to be traded to the New York Yankees if only to spite his former team.

Best Soap Opera Drama for a Sports Team Award
New York Knicks. Reality TV hasn’t got anything on this dysfunctional and very disappointing franchise. Am so glad I am not a Knicks fan. And all my respect for Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni went out the door after they pulled a Steph Marbury on Steph Marbury.

The Talk is Cheap Award
Lauren Jackson of the Opals. Before facing Team USA in the Gold Medal Match of Women’s Olympic Basketball, Jackson threw down the gauntlet about bodies falling on the floor and all out war. Instead, she fouled out albeit after scattering 20 points in a blowout win by the Americans. Then after nemesis Lisa Leslie wore all four of her gold medals (three were won against Australia) during the awards ceremony, Jackson cried foul and said Leslie was showing off.

The Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore Award
Shaquille O’Neal. What bigger turncoat is there than this seven-foot Jeckyl and Hyde? When he was with the Orlando Magic, he dissed Penny Hardaway and said he was the one who kept him from resigned with his first NBA team. While with the Los Angeles Lakers, he feuded with Kobe Bryant and also blamed him for the dissolution of the purple and gold dynasty. When he jumped shipped to Miami, he declared Pat Riley the greatest coach ever (more than Phil Jackson). But early this year, he heavily criticized the gelled one and left for Phoenix where everyone is waiting for him to talk smack behind Amare Stoudemire and Terry Porter’s back.

Certificate of Job Security
The Manager’s position at Real Madrid. Los Blancos won two titles in the last two years and each was with a different gaffer. Last year they won with Bernd Schuster and the previous campaign it was with Fabio Capello. And before that there was Carlos Quieroz, Guus Hiddink, and Jupp Heynckes who all spent a year of duty at the Bernabeu.

They should give the manager’s position to current team chairman Ramon Calderon so after the end of the campaign he can get fired too!

Strike Two Award
Before she retired from tennis the first time around, Martina Hingis was booed off the Roland Garros clay courts after playing long-time crowd favorite Steffi Graf. After a much-ballyhooed return to the game, the Swiss Miss’ career came to another shocking end after pre-tournament test showed marijuana in her urine. Now here’s hoping you learned from Michael Jordan’s third and last return to the game (we can forgive Brett Favre for now).

The Denial King Award
Franz Pumaren. He didn’t know anything about his two players who were casualties of the PEP Test Scandal and he denied that his team was never informed that it was their turn to accept their runners-up trophy.


For the past Brewskies winners, check out these links:

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2007/12/bleachers-brew-85-2nd-annual-brewskies.html

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2006/12/brewskies.html

Ateneo Women's Volleyball: That Five-Setter That Says Much About This Team’s Character

That Five-Setter That Says Much About This Team’s Character
Ateneo vs. FEU
21-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-13, 9-15
words by rick olivares and picture by aly yap

If the defending champs were expecting a 1-2-3 match against the volleybelles from Loyola Heights then they were right.

At least for the first two sets. It seemed FEU was going to make short work of the visiting team notwithstanding the scores since they gave up many service errors that translated into Ateneo points. Behind the power plays of Rachel Daquis, Shaira Gonzalez, and Irish Morada, the home team seemed intent on sweeping Ateneo off the court.

In the first set, Ateneo immediately went down 0-5 behind the solid hitting and blocking of FEU and that ultimately proved to be the margin for the opener. By the second set, just when it seemed that FEU would coast on a 16-9 lead, the Ateneo Lady Spikers slowly came back behind Angeline Gervacio and points off the bench by Averil Paje. Soon they were tugging at the coattails of the Lady Tamaraws 19-21 and the defense was beginning to hold.

After Misha Quimpo stopped Daquis for a kill for a 5-4 lead in the third set, the Ateneo Lady Spikers seized the lead for good. It was their turn to give FEU fits as their defense held.

When the green and gold team threatened at 18-17, a service error by April Jose gave Roger Gorayeb’s team some breathing space. “Ewan ko kung naniniwala kayo sa sarili ninyo pero ako naniniwala ako sa inyo,” thundered the blue and white’s new coach. “Pakita ninyo kung sino kayo.”

Bea Pascual and Quimpo blocked Gonzalez on the very next play for another crucial point. And despite a service error by Jem Ferrer, the visiting team showed that they were for real when they rattled off the match’s final five points to take the third set and more importantly, the momentum.

As the teams changed courts for the fourth, FEU’s boss Nestor Pamilar sounded off a warning to his team, “Ginising niyo ang Ateneo. Tapusin niyo na kung di aabot to ng fifth set.”

It’s a young Ateneo team all right. They’re up against the defending champs that took down a mighty UST side in last year’s finals. The Lady Tams were in their homecourt with their cheering squad booming “Oh yeah!” with their every point. The Ateneans were not expected to win.

Oh yeah? During the fourth set, the FEU cheerleaders changed their tune to, “Oh, crap!”
The Ateneo volleybelles behind team captain Pascual and rookies Fille Cainglet and Angeline Gervacio walloped the champs 25-13 and sent doubts in their head as they took the fourth.

After a 2-2 score in the final set, a pair of check outs and a side error gave FEU the lead at the turn 5-8.

“Dito ako kinakabahan,” said Gorayeb in the sidelines as assistant Clint Malazo presided over the huddle. “Dito lumalabas yung pagkabata ng team.”

Ateneo stayed close at 8-11 after Pascual hammered home a point against Cherry Vivas, but that was the last gasp FEU’s lead was too great to overhaul.

When the game buzzer went off, an appreciative FEU crowd showered their opponents with hearty cheers.

They were not expected to win by their foes much less put up a fight. But Ateneo without fanfare or any trace of misplaced confidence took to the court and gave everyone a glimpse of what could be when they’ve jelled and added a few more pieces to the puzzle. They had played three straight five-setters and though have come short in two of them, showed their fighting heart.

After the match, you could see the pained look on many of the players’ faces. They may not understand it now as they can only see a loss, but they’ve got a winning attitude that should serve them well in the years to come.

Another draw. Another letdown.

Goddamit! Liverpool drew with Hull 2-2 at Anfield for the third straight draw and at home to boot! It's a good thing Manchester United drew as well so they don't move on up. But Chelsea will play their match later tonight and if they get a win, they'll be two points up in the standings. I feel like Stevie G in the picture. Frustrated, boyo. Damn frustrated.

While talking to a fellow football fan, we both agreed that Hull and Stoke City have had a remarkable season so far but if they're still hanging around by January then they're for real. As for me, they don't need to reach that far coz they've played excellent football since three months ago. And they played plenty inspired at Anfield something the lads were not able to match for long lengths of the match. It's a good thing the Captain equalized or they'd be real down.

C'mon, Reds. It isn't everyday you're on top of the English Premier League. You should be pulling away by now.

Ateneo Men's Volleyball: Match 3 Standing Tall

Standing Tall *
Ateneo vs. La Salle
20-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-11, 15-13
by rick olivares

The score stood at 16-10 in the second set with De La Salle nine points away from taking a huge two-sets-to-none lead from the Ateneo Men’s Spikers. First year Coach Oliver Almadro called his third timeout of the match to settle down his tentative and confused squad.

Almadro grabbed the stat sheet that his assistant Efren Amorato had been compiling since the start of the game. “Wala na ‘to,” he hissed at his team as he crumpled the paper and threw it towards the bench. “Ang importante ngayon ay ilaro natin kung ano yung atin at huwag sumunod sa gusto nila. Dapat maniwala kayo sa sarili ninyo na kaya niyong bumalik.”

Although Ateneo still lost that set, they rallied to make a game of it before falling 25-21.

But they had La Salle right where they wanted them.

Almadro, riding high on a two-game win streak prior to the match, prepared his team well. The Green Spikers love the fast play and talk plenty of trash to distract their foes. At first it was matching that kind of game instead of staying within the flow of their offense.

Xavier Senoren came into the game with mixed feelings. He spent his elementary and secondary education at De La Salle Santiago De Zobel and nearly continued his path to Taft had not he been recruited early on.

“I’m going up against my alma mater,” he said with a wistful tone before managing a smile. “But pusong Atenista na ako.”

He collected himself and along with his teammates to draw a line in the sand –in this case at the nets – to say enough is enough.

The third set was a game of nerves as the Blue Spikers, cheered on by a small band of supporters, outlasted their foes 25-23.

Despite the humid atmosphere in the FEU Gym, they reached deep into their reservoir of their heart and found the verve to jump higher and hustle for seemingly lost and broken plays. And more importantly, the reliables on the team got going.

JR Intal continued his steady play and has proven to be a wildcard for the team with his unpredictable dinks (that they call a dunk) and spikes from the middle position. Along with AJ Pareja who has found better accuracy when he throws the hammer down, the offense began to hum.

Rey Africa and Ed Ortega ably set up the offense while Timmy Sto. Tomas, who has grown into his role as team leader, and Duane Teves homed in on La Salle’s weak point, their libero, as they sent serve after serve in his direction. Exploiting La Salle’s inability to receive properly to go on the counter offensive, Ateneo made them pay for those free balls.

With the score at 11-4 in the fourth set and the Blue Spikers leading, a blackout hit the area forcing officials to suspend the match for close to 20 minutes. If people were worried that the lay-off would cool them down, by the time they resumed the match, Ateneo scored the next two points and the guys in green only regained possession after an error.

The fourth set ended 25-11 and the message was loud and clear – this was an entirely different Ateneo team. Their win streak was no longer a fluke and they definitely had character.

In the last two seasons, the team won two straight a couple of times but instead of stepping on the afterburners, they crashed and burned.

And with La Salle leading 8-4 in the fifth and deciding set, it seemed that the ugly trend would continue. The Green Spikers even made it 9-4 after the change court, but once more, the team dug in and held fast.

9-6. 11-8. 11-10.

Ateneo Volleyball Program Head Sherwin Malonzo sat behind Ateneo’s side of the court. As the team mounted one more incredible comeback, he got more excited with every point. “Uy, kaya pa ‘to,” he excitedly said to himself while keeping his composure.

A crucial Pareja block and a Sto. Tomas point turned the tide and when the ball found a hole in La Salle defense, the team whooped up a 15-13 victory.

They had broken the jinx that hexed them in seasons past and had become the first squad since former coach Louie Gepuela’s squad to start at 3-0 (the last time they made the finals in the NCAA; the team went 2-1 to start 1981 and also made the finals).

In last year’s tournament, Ateneo also beat La Salle in the first round that began that two-game win streak prompting their foes to dismiss it as a fluke.

They’ll have to rethink that now since Ateneo is after three matches atop the standings. But Almadro preached caution after the game, "La Salle beat FEU (the defending champions) and we beat La Salle. Hindi ibig sabihin niyan na automatic na tatalunin natin ang FEU. You now have a winning attitude but it shouldn’t stop there kasi marami pa tayo kailangan gawin.”

But it was such a huge win that Pareja momentarily fumbled with his endgame prayer. “Na blanko ako,” he managed as his teammates laughed.

“Gutom lang yan,” answered Almadro who slapped his player’s shoulder. “Let’s eat.”


Author's dedication:
* For Paolo Pareja, who thankfully had his trip to Mumbai, India postponed to watch and support his team for a while more.

Author's note: People ask me why I've been writing and following the Ateneo volleyball teams that last two years and the answer is very simple. I loved it as a sport although I played it only during intrams while in school as I stuck to football, baseball, and track.

It was four years ago when I began to follow the team at the behest of Ricky Palou and the late Jun Bernardino. And since last year, I have tried to work in a capacity of cheerleader and supporter for the squads. Around the same time when the two Sports Vision gentlemen rekindled that love for volleyball, I became friends with Ronald Dulay who was still with La Salle when we did a volleyball tourney on Solar Sports and I was active in trying to help promote the national team. When he joined Ateneo last year, we spent long hours talking about the team, volleyball, and other sports.

We even spoke about how they tried to recruit AJ Pareja for La Salle and that is quite a story that you'll all get a laugh out of). When AJ went to ADMU, I bumped into him one time in Gateway after an Ateneo game and I said thanks for coming to Ateneo (he went to Lourdes). I don't think AJ remembers that and have never bothered to remind him of that coz I don't imagine he will.

Anyways Coach Ron is now on the other side of Katipunan but I don't imagine we're not going to be chatting about the same.

But as for the for the two Ateneo volleyball squads, what's not to love?

For sure, it's not going to be dated. The final shooting days of the 2009 Ateneo Sports Calendar

Whew! We're finally done shooting the entire 2009 Ateneo Sports Calendar. Four days of shoots at Blue Eagle Gym! Not to mention several days of planning over coffee and food at Starbucks, Teriyaki Boy, and Shakey's!

A lot of hard work went into the making of the calendar and we're really excited about this product. It is something we can all be definitely be proud of -- the photogs and the athletes.

We're going to be putting up a booth next week in the college to sell this -- the high-end version first though. The other versions will be out after the 21st all the way up to the New Year.

And we're also planning a launch early in January! Well, we reckon it's never too late to sell and promote the calendar, aye?

Hope ya like the new video!

See ya in the pit.

The new ambassadors of Kwan

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia has agreed on principle to sign with the New York Yankees for a seven-year $161 million contract. He can opt out after three years and renegotiate for an even bigger one.

Manny Pacquiao will earn an estimated $80 million from the pay-per-view sales of his Dream Win over the nightmarish Oscar De La Hoya.

Audi AG bought two 30-second spots for January's Super Bowl XLIII. At a cost of $3 million each! Holy cow!

You wouldn't think that times are tough after the NFL laid off 150 employees and the WNBA's Houston Comets folded up.Hell, even the UAAP scalpers couldn't get ahold of their regular stash of tickets!

But good for CC and Pacman. They've earned it even if some may feel that their winnings may also (if not have already) bloated their egos. During a trip to General Santos City last year, I was shocked to hear that a few people I spoke with mentioned money in the same sentence as Pacquiao. When I postulated that he doesn't owe anybody anything and that when he was struggling no one was there to give him a break, they went quiet. Yeah, what a party pooper. I can still see the look of dismay on one.

Pacquiao is one up on Sabathia for one, he earned half the pitcher's amount in the space of three months. And second, even if Manny doesn't win anymore, his place in history is already secure as one of boxing's all-time best. For the free agent pitcher, the moment he steps onto the field of the New Yankee Stadium, he'll hear cheers. But if he doesn't win... he's Jeff Weaver and Carl Pavano rolled into one.

But think of all that dough. Wow.

Is this where Real Madrid rescues its season?

The Juande Ramos era in Real Madrid began with a 3-0 crushing win over Zenit St. Petersburg in the Group H competition of the UEFA Champions League. Raul scores twice while Arjen Robben scored Los Blancos' second goal.

So anyone want to give Ramos' a year before the screws turn on him?

Up at Night

It was already 2:30am and I was already feeling the weight of a long day. Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac were on my iTunes and the soft strains of "Landslide" seemed just right with the silent night. I was running on adrenaline. I came form a meeting with my buddies at Fabilioh putting the finishing touches on a calendar that I badly wanted to do for so so long. And I, we, couldn't be more pleased.

I figure it's a nice way to end a miserable year for me. Cheer up, said one dear friend. After all, we won the UAAP basketball title. I let loose a chuckle.

And I hear Stevie pierce through the black:

"Can I sail through the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life

Well, Ive been afraid of changing
cause Ive built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too."

My phone rings at the ungodly hour of 3am and it's my friend Sam from NYC. He's Egyptian yet he loves hip hop. Have you ever heard of a Middle Eastern guy speak like Ludacris? I chuckle once more. He calls and wonders when his homeboy (me) is going back to the Big City. He teases and says he's glad that Kobe and the Lakers got waxed by the Sacto Kings. Yeah well they lost but at least the Ateneo Women's and Men's Volleyball teams won today. Huzzah! I swear Sam looks like a big palooka with bling and a Knicks David Lee jersey. Is there anything more absurd? Take that, bro! I'm gonna laugh now.

Earlier I was with Jeff Long, Kirk's dad, and he sought my help in making a vid and a presentation for MVP. Between deadlines and projects, dashing to and fro, I made it. We've talked so long about it and it's only now that I've found the time.

Imagine what some potable water can do for a community's lives? It's an incredible thing that most people take for granted and I can't wait to write and do a video about it. Ha. Look at me. Still a crusader after all these years.

In fact, some of the most enjoyable pieces I wrote this year -- well, there's the NU series, the Homeless World Cup Team, and Dacki Sandiego, the kid with Asperger's Syndrome -- have been on many people's favorites.

Funny because I should be careful for what I wish for. I'm still trying to push for Afghanistan as a war correspondent for a foreign news bureau. That's something I've wanted to do for the longest time and so far I've passed a few tests and am just waiting for a go signal to which military unit I'm going to be embedded with.

Kinda crazy, huh? But as much as I love sports, there's more to life than that. Going to Thailand to write about a Burmese refugee camp sort of knocked me for a loop. Maybe I should blame that on Bill Carter. That book has had such a profound effect on me.

Is it frightening? You, bet? One day in a war zone is a day too long. I figure I'll be all right though.

Hey, Liverpool's on. Replay though. I shut down my desktop and laptop. I lie down and watch for a few minutes then I'm asleep.

Music for the insomniac (no I don't have insomnia), I just felt like saying that so sue me.
Stella Was A Diver and She Was Always Down - Interpol (I would walk the Bowery at 1am and I'd feel this song on a rain-swept street)
One More Last Kiss - Ivy (if you liked listening to the Pet Shop Boys then you'll love the sentimental groove)
Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan (OMG! How does it feel? How does it feeeeelllll?)
Destiny Calling - James (one of my favorite Brit Rock bands)
Learning to Fly - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers





Picture up above: Me wearing the new Up Dharma Down shirt promoting Bipolar their second album.
Picture to the right: Alone on the wharf in Macau wearing my Liverpool home kit. Mai took this shot from behind.

Ateneo Women's Volleyball: That Thrilling Won Game That Almost Got Away

That Thrilling Won Game That Almost Got Away
Ateneo vs. UE
25-17, 25-19, 20-25, 16-25, 24-22
by rick olivares

During Ateneo’s first game of the season last Sunday, Roger Gorayeb, resplendent in blue, stood throughout the whole game perhaps an indication of how big it was going up against the Adamson Lady Falcons.

In this second match of the year versus the UE Amazons, he stood up only once during the first two sets and it was only for a few seconds. When his Lady Spikers committed an error or misplayed the ball, he planted his left hand into the side of his face in dismay.

By the time the game had reached a fifth set after UE had come back from two sets down, he was in a state of controlled fury. He threw down his bottle of mineral water in disgust during the disastrous fourth set when the Recto volleybelles wrested the momentum from his faltering squad.

The hallmark of last year’s offense was that the attack came from the wings and from the middle.

This year, a lack of heavy scoring from the middle has forced the open spikers to shoulder much of the attack load and that has made the offense somewhat predictable. Gorayeb concedes that the team is a year or two away from becoming a major contender but that doesn’t mean that his Lady Spikers will not give it the old college try in Season 71.

The UE squad may not make anyone quake in their sneakers more so after they played so poorly in the first two sets, but the Amazons of Coach Virginia De Jesus are certainly not wanting in spunk.

With Ateneo ahead 9-8 in the third set, the team lapsed into a series of errors and poor execution. UE forged ahead with 6 straight points to go up 9-14.

Another 8-0 blitz by UE that gave them a 13-21 lead guaranteed that there would be a fourth set. “Binigyan nila ng buhay,” explained one of media reporters covering the game as the crowd got into the now exciting match. “Medyo nag-relax.”

Against Adamson last weekend, the two brownouts changed the momentum for both teams. In this game that had all the makings of a laugher, the shift was more of the human kind.

It was a disturbing trend that Gorayeb noted also in the first match – a propensity to commit errors in bunches that tend to demoralize the team that sinks their play. And they had once more fallen prey to that against UE (the Lady Spikers average 38 errors a game).
.
If Charo Soriano scored the bulk of last year’s points, the good thing about this year is the attack is spread a little more. And in this match, the veterans – particularly Misha Quimpo and Bea Pascual as they chipped in 13 and 10 points to the team’s collective 79 points (their opponents surrendered 31 points off errors).

The team is young without a doubt but they showed remarkable resiliency in their last two matches that have both gone down the wire. Inexperience and all, this is a team that does not give up. And that builds character.

The fifth set featured eight lead changes and several errors that had a prolonged the suspense and the match.

With two points to go in the fifth set at 13-11, a service error by Quimpo gave some life back to UE. And when they had a chance to put Ateneo away at 20-21, Mary Grace Masankay returned the service error to notch the game at 21-all.

Then Pascual scored the last of her points off a spike. Angeline Gervacio added one of her own before Quimpo capped her best performance thus far as she finished off their equally resilient foes with a power drive UE got not receive.

After the match, the team had smiles on their faces as they got that hard-earned first win and Gorayeb’s first in the UAAP. The coach was understandably upset that it could have been a short afternoon for them. But look on the bright side, how good can this team be after they’ve played a few more games and collected a few more wins? Think of what we might see when Ateneo Lady Spikers are finally on?