Cloanne Mondoñedo expressed her pride in being able to help De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde defend its throne with a flawless run in the NCAA Season 98 women's volleyball tournament — even if she was unable to get any individual award.
Despite a strong campaign this season, the offense-minded Lady Blazers setter was not included in the list of awardees for Season 98 as Lyceum of the Philippines University's Venice Puzon was named Best Setter for a second consecutive season.
Mondoñedo, though, is happy to have delivered for the school the big prize — a second consecutive championship.
"Syempre na-sad ako kasi everyone’s expecting... Pero gano’n na nga kung hindi para sa akin, hindi para sa akin," Mondoñedo said on Friday as they clinched the title with a sweep of the Lady Pirates.
"Still, happy ako na nadala ko ‘yung team sa championship."
("Of course, I was sad because everyone's expecting... But if it's not for me, then it's not for me... Still I was happy that I was able to bring the team to the championship.")
Mondoñedo also said she will use this as a motivation heading into the next season as they look to make it three titles in a row, a feat that Benilde has yet to accomplish in the past.
"Sobrang na-motivate ako kanina and last game and sabi ko na I have to do my best and show them kung ano ‘yung capabilities ko and abilities ko and okay naman ‘yung kinalabasan."
("I was really motivated earlier and in the last game and I said I have to do my best and show them my capabilities and abilities and the result was okay.")
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
