By | Christian Niturada, Sports Editor
Even overcoming early setbacks and recovering in the dying moments, the Pangasinan State University (PSU) bets’ greatest nemesis is themselves.
PSU, who is composed mainly of Urdaneta City campus players, started out strong, but failed to sustain its momentum, as they finish top six out of 14 competitors in CHED Invitational Friendship Game Men’s Beach Volleyball at the scorching SM MOA Sea by the bay in Pasay City held on June 16-19, 2022.
Jinxed with a sluggish performance in the early minutes, Patrick Paul Bautista and Ryan Kenn Velano rose to the occasion in time, upsetting the crowd-favorite De La Salle University (DLSU) with 15-13, 15-11 sweep to top Bracket A.
“Noong umpisa talagang kami’y nahihirapan dahil sa kaba, masyado kasi naming nilo-look up yung kalaban dahil kilalang school at nakapaglalaro ito sa University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) pero nairaos naman kahit papaano,” said Bautista in an interview.
With the win over DLSU, Bautista-Velano tandem shifted their game a notch higher as they sent Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) packing with 15-8, 15-8 beating to secure their quarterfinal ticket.
“Sa second game naman namin, siyempre mas tumaas yung confidence namin sa sarili and nakukuha na namin yung laro namin individually, kaya siguro mas naging madali para sa’min i-execute yung panalo,” told Bautista.
The PSUnian duo continued to their A-game in the quarterfinals, but eventually collapsed, losing to the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) in two sets, 19-21, 17-21 that ended the former’s hope in clinching for the semifinals.
“Lumalamang na kami noong first set e, naging 19-16 pa nga, kaso dahil sa init ng panahon at pagod, nagkaroon ng chance yung kalaban para abutan kami at baliktarin yung flow ng game,” uttered Bautista, who also suffered from a bad landing amid the game.
As the rule of the tourney was that players must not be substituted amid game, substitute player Austin Josh Domalanta played a vital role for the team as he was the one who checks the errors of his teammates and giving words that can boost the morale of the team.
Despite a two-week preparation, Bautista, Valeno, and Domalanta proved that they are worthy for the spot in representing the school out of other campuses.
“Kahit na binigyan lang kami ng two weeks preparation, masaya pa rin kami sa performance namin kahit na ‘di namin nakuha ang podium finish,” said Bautista.
Bautista also shared a quote from their trainer, Mr. Daryl De Vera.
“We never lose, its either we win or learn,” said De Vera in a chat.
On the other hand, the PSU Beach Volleyball team is eyeing to join other events in the upcoming school year.
Layout by | Jeric Motea, Layout Artist