For Jose Rizal University head coach Mia Tioseco, their journey to the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball Final Four is definitely a special one.
That's because it gives a few of their senior players the chance to end their collegiate run on a high note.
Two of the Lady Bombers, team captain Dolly Verzosa and Kia Melgar, are currently playing out their final year and with JRU barging to the playoffs, they have the opportunity to make the most of their run.
"Special siya kasi of course ga-graduate na si Dolly at tsaka si Kia, ang tagal naming magkakasama," shared Tioseco after their 25-11, 16-25,17-25, 25-21, 17-15 victory over Lyceum on Tuesday.
"Si Dolly, I've been with her for five years, si Kia for five years din kasi Grade 12 pa lang kasama na namin siya nagte-training. Very special na 'yung core na 'yun ay at least nakaabot ng Final Four."
Verzosa and Melgar have been the linchpins on both offense and defense for JRU in the ongoing tournament, where they racked up five wins and four losses heading to the Final Four.
During their do-or-die game against the Lyceum Lady Pirates, the veteran Verzosa poured in an impressive triple-double of 11 points, 12 digs, and 12 excellent receptions while the lefty Melgar chipped in nine markers and 13 digs.
For both the players, they just played like it was their last.
Still, they are out to give more as they battle San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the knockout stepladder semifinals for the right to meet Arellano University in the next phase.
"Nao-overwhelm ako, naiiyak ako, nae-excite ako [pero] sobrang happy ko lalo na kami ni Kia, nag-uusap kami na last game man or may extension [pa kami], all out na kami," said Verzosa.
—JMB, GMA News
