“The Lady Fighting Maroons are still in high spirits after their win over UST during the opening of UAAP Season 77 Volleyball Games. The atmosphere here in the dug-out is very positive despite the fact that last game’s top scorer, Angeli Araneta will not be suiting up for today’s match against UE,” the courtside reporter talked directly to the camera.
I was trying to appear as comfortable as I can while seated beside the courtside reporter taping a pre-game interview. My palm was sweating yet I was feeling cold. This was the first time, I was interviewed after the incident last Saturday. My team mates were cheering me on as quietly as they can. Making faces behind the camera man.
“Everyone is excited about the prospects for UP this year even if this is only your second game. Angeli, you had an incredible game against UST… and lot of UP fans are saddened by the news of your injury. How do you feel about this?” She turned to me.
I forced a smile. Trying to remember Atty. Roque’s instruction to talk slowly and not to be carried away by my emotion during the interview. “We are excited about this season as well. The team has been training really hard. We will give everything we can for the team. ”
“People are wondering, how long will you be sidelined? What is the real condition of your injury?” she asked.
“I have a contusion hematoma on my upper back and right shoulder. An x-ray was done at wala namang fracture, bugbog lang talaga. They give me compress three times a day. My arms have been immobilized so it will heal faster and not strain it any further. Doctor’s advice and decision na din ng coaching staff, pahinga lang muna. But I still go to our trainings, puro foot work nga lang. Hopefully, I can play on our next game,” I tried to be as cheerful as I can.
“A lot of talks and speculations in the sporting community and in social media have been circulating about the post-game incident where you and former UST setter Loren Lantin were attacked by a deranged fan. Can you clarify on this?” I knew this was coming. My team mates also grew uneasy upon hearing the question.
“We are still conferring with our lawyers on the possible actions to take on the matter. I can’t give a statement on that at the moment. But I am grateful for the support of my family and my team mates… lalo na si Coach Jerry,” I choked. I wanted to walk out on the interview but my team mates jumped in and started hugging me even when the camera was still on.
The reporter just smiled and ended the interview.
My team mates have been very protective of me since the incident. They never asked what really happened or about the malicious rumors about me. They took turns to ensure that I wasn’t alone in the campus whenever I didn’t have class. Some of them even studied with me at the Law Library. I don’t think they can scare off anyone… especially Nicole or Hannah. Pia can be intimidating despite her pint size… though I’d really want to see if anyone can get past Kathy or would dare to make her angry. But I am truly grateful. I smiled while watching them.
Julie pulled me up and dragged me out of the locker room. “You know we all love you, right?” She held on to my good arm as we made our way inside the court.
The UE Lady Warriors were already doing their stretching at the other end of the court. My team mates also did their stretching. I sat on the bench with the coaching staff. I was scouring the faces in the stands. There weren’t too many people in the stands. But as it neared 2:00 pm, the seats started to fill. Quite unusual for any of our games. I was growing fidgety for some reason I couldn’t understand.
Coach Jerry sat beside me. “Kakayanin natin ‘to. ‘Di namin hahayaang mangyari sa iyo uli ‘yun.” He tapped me in the shoulder before he stood and called the team to huddle.
Everyone played inspired and road on the high from our previous win. There was no let up on defense… both on the floor and on the net. Kathy simply dominated the net and reminded everyone she was last season’s best blocker. My anxiety faded and began to miss playing. The first set ended 25-12.
UE stepped up their attack and was able to get ahead 8-6 and the first technical time out. I joined the team in the huddle as Coach Jerry encouraged them to run the plays as we practiced them. “‘Di ko na kelangan sabihin kung ano kelangan gawin. Tiwala lang sa kasama nyo. Tiwala sa sarili nyo.”
“UP! Fight!”
Once again, the Lady Maroons pounded hard on offense but not without resistance from the Lady Warriors. The attacks of the Lady Warriors were now being turned back by the UP blockers. Julie who got more playing time due to my injury strung up points to end the set at 25-23.
As we changed benches for the third set, I looked up the stands, it was now predominantly yellow. UST fans seemed to have come out to cheer for their team since the Lady Tigresses were going against the Adamson Lady Falcons on the second game. I was sweating and I could feel my heart beating a little faster. My head was spinning a bit.
The next thing I heard was the whistle of referee calling the point for UP and the end of the match at 25-18. The other players from bench ran to the court in celebration. We shook hands with the other team. Kathy who was player of the game was being interviewed at courtside and other players were trying to make faces and goof around behind her.
The Lady Tigresses walked passed us as they made their way to the court. Jessey de Leon hugged me without saying a word. The fans started making noise. Pam Lastimosa was right behind Jessey. She walked up to me and uttered a few words, which was drowned by the noise inside the arena. Pam hugged me as well. When Pam let go, I saw Loren with the other coaching staff. It was awkward because I didn’t want to go near her, especially not in front of this crowd. She looked at me and mouthed thank you. I haven’t seen Loren after the incident. My team mates took turns hugging Loren, much to the delight of the UST fans who cheered the sideshow between the Tigresses and the Lady Maroons. They probably have forgotten that we handed them their first loss of the season.
On our way to the dugout, Pia and Julie walked beside me.
“Ok ka lang?” Julie asked. “Mukhang hilo ka kanina during the game.”
“Kahit kanina nung nakasalubong natin ‘yung Tigresses,” Pia pointed out.
“I think I'm beginning to develop an allergy for yellow and gold,” I joked.
“Mukhang madadagdagan pa ‘yang allergy mo,” Kathy joined in as she caught up with us from behind. “We're having dinner with UST sabi ni Coach."
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A LITTLE MORE COMPLICATED
FanfictionBetween being an athlete and law student, there is hardly time for anything else. You train... you go to class... you practice with the team... in between, you either study or you cram. If you get lucky, maybe you'll find time to have a life as we...
