It took them a while but Emilio Aguinaldo College finally got a taste of victory after a four-set conquest of Lyceum of the Philippines University on Wednesday.
EAC head coach Rod Palmero could not contain his emotions following a 26-28, 25-15, 27-25, 25-17 win as their relentless training for the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball tournament started bearing fruit.
"Syempre masaya kasi although wala na kami doon sa apat [na teams sa taas ng standings] pero nakita ko at the very last bago matapos 'yung season [na nanalo kami]," Palmero said in the post-game interview.
"Ang hirap ng pinagdaanan namin kaya masaya ako, masaya ako para sa kanila."
EAC is now at 1-5, tying Colegio de San Juan de Letran at the bottom of the standings and although their chances of making the Final four get slimmer by the day, Palmero still lauded his players.
EAC still has the chance to catch the playoff bus, given it wins its next assignments against Letran and title contenders Arellano University and Mapua University.
"Sabi ko lang sa kanila, 'yung character nila ipakita nila doon sa laro kahit na may errors, basta tuloy-tuloy lang 'yung ginagawa para 'di sila matigilan," the mentor added.
Cathrine Almazan, who has been consistent for EAC, stressed that Palmero has been consistent in reminding them to not lose hope despite their tough start.
"Sobrang saya kasi lahat po ng mga lessons, mga pinagdaanan namin, lagi sa amin sinasabi ni coach na 'wag mawawalan ng pagasa at tapang lang sa court," Almazan, who churned out 14 points against Lyceum, said.
—JMB, GMA News
