Former UST volleyball star Mozzy Ravena recounts “painful” season for Tigresses

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FORMER UST volleyball superstar and three-time UAAP champion
Mozzy Ravena described Season 77 as “disappointing” for the Golden
Tigresses after another failed attempt to enter the Final Four.

The mother of Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena told the Varsitarian
that the Tigresses should learn from their mistakes this year especially since
the team was close to finally returning to the semifinals after years of
absence.

“Medyo disappointing naman talaga. Siguro regroup
because we were really close, nandoon na, so siguro dagdagan na lang for next
year, ‘yun ang importante,” Ravena said. “Learn from what happened
this year because it was quite painful. Kailangan may nakuha pa rin tayo doon.

Currently a volleyball analyst for ABS-CBN sports and the
Shakey’s V-League, Ravena said the Tigresses may have lacked fighting spirit
aside from failing to match the rising competitiveness from other UAAP teams.

“I think nagkulang sa fighting spirit. It’s a cliche
pero ‘yung puso, ‘yung wanting to win, medyo nagkulang tayo doon,” she
said in an interview. “Preparation I’m sure nandiyan yan pero nakikita
natin ngayon ibang level na yung volleyball, hindi na lang skills, pati mental
preparation nadoon na lahat.

Watching the UST men’s team battle two-time defending
champion National University in a do-or-die match before her commentating
duties for ABS-CBN, Ravena also shared her opinion on the Tiger Spikers who
made their return to the playoffs for the first time in three years.

She refused to put much emphasis on the Tiger Spikers’
relative lack of experience as a reason for UST losing a twice-to-beat
advantage but instead acknowledged NU’s extreme desire to score a three-peat.

“Hindi sa lack of experience pero pwede rin. From the
get-go arangkada kaagad [ang NU]. Nakita mo yung game faces nila. UST naman
they came in well prepared but siguro it was just too much and NU was so
strong, they were really strong,” she said.

The Golden Tigresses core of players will remain intact and
will welcome a new coach for next season after Odjie Mamon stepped down. The
Tiger Spikers, with Mamon still at the helm, will lose MVP Mark Alfafara and
team captain Romnick Rico.

1 COMMENT

  1. The girls already have the skills to win their games. What they lack is mental stamina, patience and the inner drive. Madali silang mainis at panghinaan ng loob. It would be good if their training can also include team building activities and mental strengthening workshops. We have a lot of alumni who may be willing to facilitate these for the future success of the team.

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