The Centro Escolar University (CEU) Lady Scorpions failed to clinch the first game of the 54th Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) volleyball finals against the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) Lady Patriots on Sunday, November 26 at St. Scholastica’s College Manila.

The Lady Scorpions delivered a strong start, but the Lady Patriots soon caught up as they strengthened their defense, commencing the game, 25-20, 21-25, 25-15, and 25-17.

CEU-WVT co-captain and outside hitter Irene Macapagong felt disappointed after the match as she explained, “Para sa akin naman, a little bit [of] disappointment kasi, ayun nga, siguro nakampante kami.”

Macapagong also felt that the lack of effort and the distraction from their surroundings were other factors that brought them to such results.

Meanwhile, for middle blocker Jessica Maria Tello, the nervous tensions got the best of them.

On the first set of the game, the Lady Scorpions were on fire but were soon put out by the Lady Patriots, ending the first set, 25-20.

Amidst the swelling energy in the court, the team stayed fierce in redeeming their rhythm as with Macapagong’s attacks, the second set favored them, 25-21.

As the play progressed, the Lady Scorpions faced distraught as one of their teammates, opposite hitter Heart Franchesca Pila, fell into an accident resulting from the team’s collective will to save the ball.

However, despite the evident eagerness of the squad to bounce back, the opponent continued to dominate the match, gaining sets three and four, 25-15 and 25-17, respectively, ending the first game.

The Mendiola-based team is set to a do-or-die Game 2 of the finals on December 3.

Written by Fatima Balahim
Photo taken by Jeron Ellana