Ateneo de Manila University head coach Oliver Almadro sees his squad’s V-League conquest as a small step toward the ultimate goal of reclaiming the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball crown.
The Blue Eagles flexed their muscle in completing a best-of-three series sweep of Adamson University with a dominating 25-12, 25-22, 25-12, Game 2 result in the maiden staging of the league’s Women’s Collegiate Challenge Wednesday night at the Paco Arena.
“I’m happy but of course, this is not our end goal. Our dream is to win the finals or reach the top of the UAAP and, hopefully, the Lord will lead us there,” Almadro said.
Led by tournament and finals Most Valuable Player Faith Nisperos, Ateneo needed only an hour and 23 minutes to topple the Lady Falcons, who showed little resistance — a far cry from the team that gave the Blue Eagles a hard time before snatching the series opener in five sets.
The third-year winger finished with 15 points while Vannie Gandler and Lyann de Guzman got 11 markers each for Ateneo.
“All of these are part of the process. This is a process and we know that we are growing. We will find a way, make a way of what we have. We’re a bit depleted but the good thing is the players are responding,” Almadro said of his team.
“The trust in each other is there. Players are willing to learn, they’re willing to be coached, they are willing to sacrifice and are willing to work hard. That’s what’s important,” he added.
“No matter what, we faced tough teams here. We faced a strong opponent, it just so happened my players wanted it more.”
Ateneo’s latest achievement came on the heels of its disappointing fifth place finish in the Shakey’s Super League.
“I’m happy but not content. It is just a process. This is nothing but a journey, the goal is in the UAAP,” the mentor said.
Almadro hopes that the Blue Eagles’ pre-season title will fuel their desire of reclaiming the UAAP throne they lost to National University, which ruled the SSL, in UAAP Season 84 five months ago.
Ateneo won its third UAAP title overall in 2019 but lost it in the return of women’s volleyball after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The Blue Eagles finished third last season.
“It’s really an inspiration for us. I’m always saying to my players ‘the dream is there but we must have a goal first.’ And that goal should be worked on,” Almadro said.
