MANILA, Philippines – Bea de Leon almost didn’t play her final year for the Ateneo Lady Eagles. But now, she’s definitely glad that she did.
After absorbing a straight-set loss against UST in Game 1 of the UAAP finals, the chest-pounding captain willed her team to a two-game comeback and seized the Season 81 volleyball championship.
“I’m just so grateful honestly. It was all Him,” she said in the post-game presser. “The whole time coach [Oliver Almadro] told us to trust in Him, trust in each other. And actually it’s a big, big factor offering ourselves to Him. We really just surrendered everything and we’re here today. And I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who is part of it.”
De Leon delivered blocks left and right en route to a 7.7 points per game average in the finals and helped neutralize UST’s offensive weapons like Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure and Ysa Jimenez. (READ: Ateneo breaks UST’s heart, reclaims UAAP volleyball crown)
In the end, Ateneo didn’t want her career to end on a low note, but rather up high on everyone’s shoulders.
Your #UAAPSeason81VolleyballFinals MVP, Ateneo's fiery captain Bea De Leon! | via @JRnalistic pic.twitter.com/16pnehD6A5 — Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) May 18, 2019
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m so happy that Coach O still called me up because he had a choice not to and he had a choice to replace me,” De Leon said. “He really called me up. I still remember that day when he did. I’m still thankful for Coach O for still wanting me to be part of the team.”
“It was really really the best decision I’ve ever made,” she continued. “We’re here and we did it.” – Rappler.com
