A LITTLE MORE COMPLICATED

34 | frenemies

Frustration has been haunting us and doubt was slowly creeping in that all the games we have won at the start of this season seemed to be in some very far and distant memory. There have been close and tough matches that we could have won... and still we lost. But there were those that we just lost badly. All these seem to have gotten the fight out of most my very young team mates... Nicole was slowly showing cracks in her armor as well.

Kathy's absence was taking a toll on the team. It wasn't just the points or the blocks that she brings each game... but that presence and voice that kept everyone going when all the chips are down. There have been times I wish I could be so much more for them.

Nicole leaped high for a cross court hit. This time the ball zoomed past the blockers and landed between the back row defenders. As the referee signaled the point for UP, everyone rushed to Nicole who had one hand raised and her index finger pointing right up. Knowing her, that was a thank you prayer more than a celebration.

Jewel and Ayel were on the verge of tears while we were huddled in the middle of the court. Arylle, the most animated Lady Maroon, was crying as she mumbled a a short prayer that none of us understood. Nicole was biting her lower lip as she tried to contain her emotions. Pia and the others were as noisy as ever... crying and shrieking at the same time. This was a win we badly needed as the team was spiralling down after we lost Kathy to an injury. For the second time this season, we defeated the UST... and probably the first time in eternity or at least the as far as I can remember that UP swept the Tigresses in a season.

The celebration seemed to go on endlessly and energy was very high in the dug-out. Coach Jerry had to remind us that the season had not ended yet and we still had work to do. In fairness, nakangiti si Coach. He gave a heads up to Hannah who did not succumb to the pressure as she made two service aces that brought us to mach point. A pat on the back from Coach Jerry meant so much... ngiti nga lang mahal.

"'Wag niyong isipin kung nasaan kayo sa standings. Inconsequential lahat 'yan," Coach Jerry interrupted the rejoicing. "Sa simula ng season, sabi natin gusto natin rspeto. Gusto natin patunayan na karapat-dapat tayo sa liga na 'to. Pagnagkakamali kayo, ayoko marinig na nagdadahilan... nagpapasahan ng sisi. We're a young team... and it's a given tha we make mistakes along the way. Importante, paano natin malalagpasan lahat 'yan. Kelangan nating matuto. That's how we become better and wiser."

Everyone was silent as Coach Jerry made his speech. He stood behind Nicole and Hannah... and as usual seryoso at malalim na naman ang iniisip ni Nicole.

"Alam niyo ano talaga ang gusto kong makita sa inyo pag nasa court kayo?" he continued.

Si Coach talaga! Panalo na nga kami, may quiz pa din. We all looked at each other, trying to find out who had the answer to the question.

"I want you to have fun whenever you go out on the court. Enjoy every minute that you play together as a team. Hindi panghabang buhay ang collegiate sport. Be proud to play that name in front of that shirt," Coach Jerry stressed.

Then I suddenly felt a cold water flowing down from my head. Coach Jerry was also pouring water over Nicole and Hannah... complete with ice. At least 'yung sa akin tubig lang.

Himala! Coach Jerry was laughing so hard that everyone froze in disbelief.

"Bagong water bottles!" He lifted the two empty water containers he was holding. "Pinabigay ng mga fans niyo... kasi may isa daw sa inyo nag tweet na naiwan niyo ang team water jug niyo. Tig-isa kayo." He gave the bottles he was holding to Hannah and Nicole.