The NU Lady Bulldogs stars easily learned from their mistakes.
NU Lady Bulldogs stars Bella Bellen and Jen Nierva took a surprise benching when the defending champions beat the UP Lady Maroons last Wednesday.
NU coach Karl Dimaculangan sidelined Bellen and Nierva after dropping the first set. The Lady Bulldogs would eventually win in four sets, but the two standouts were limited to spectators. The reigning UAAP Women's Volleyball MVP was scoreless. The last season's best libero admitted the benching affected her.
"Last time hindi ako nagpa-interview kasi sobrang emotional ko that time, feeling ko iiyak lang ako kapag ininterview ako," Nierva said.
After that experience, Nierva and Bellen had a change of mindset entering their match against the UE Lady Warriors on Sunday.
"'Yung mindset ko lang is to really play my role. Nung game namin sa UP, ang dami kong inisiip, to the point na hindi ako naka-focus kung anong nasa harap ko," Nierva said.
"I’m happy na nung chinange ko mindset ko, naging mas maganda outcome, hindi lang sa laro but sa team namin."
Nierva tallied 7 excellent digs and 6 excellent receptions as the Lady Bulldogs swept UE, 25-23, 25-9, 25-12.
Bellen scored 13 in the victory, and shared how the benching made her a better player.
"Naging motivation siya sa akin na i-ano ‘yung game ko. Kasi nung, ‘yun nga po, hindi ako nakapaglaro nung game against UP na parang, sabi ko, ay parang hindi naman ako ganito," Bellen said.
"Balik lang ako sa goal ng team namin and ano ‘yung goal ko this season. Sabi nga ni ate Jen na inumpisahan namin sa training, nag-enjoy lang po talaga kami."
Dimaculangan was not surprised with how the two of his best players responded to adversity.
"Kilala ko naman sila, alam ko na babawi at babawi sila. In that game lang… naiintindihan nila ‘yun. Gagawin naman nila lahat para manalo kami. Happy ako na nakabawi sila," he said.