Zel Tsunashima is returning from injury as she looks to give the Ateneo Blue Eagles a boost in UAAP Season 88.
UAAP Season 88 is set to bring a new lease for Ateneo’s Zel Tsunashima after recovering fully from her season-ending injury last year.
Tsunashima played just one game for the Blue Eagles in Season 87 where she suffered a broken shin against the Adamson Lady Falcons that abruptly ended her campaign for Ateneo.
With the new season around the corner, she’s raring to go out and show her wares.
“I think I'm very excited since… magpapakita ako ng bagong version of me. Like in terms of my mindset and 'yung grit ko,” Tsunashima told One Sports during the recent UAAP Content Day.
“Like, last season, as in, gigil na gigil talaga ako na 'di ako makapaglaro. So, I'm bringing that grit into this season naman.”
Jlo Delos Santos is also coming back with Tsunashima, with the former suffering an ACL injury shortly before the UAAP season even began last year.
[RELATED: UAAP: Ateneo dealt blow as Zel Tsunashima, Jlo Delos Santos suffer season-ending injuries]
Coinciding with their return is a new era of Blue Eagles volleyball after the exit of now-pro players Lyann De Guzman and AC Miner.
But Tsunashima is still upbeat on how the team will fare in their new challenge.
“I think knowing na andaming what-ifs last season, and ngayon, wala na sila Lyann, and sila AC, so, as in, parang bagong players na and bata na sila lahat. I think 'yung mentality namin is to really focus on kung ano yung mabibigay namin, kung anong role dapat 'yung gampanin namin,” she said.
“Especially kami ni Taks [Fujimoto] as seniors. We always do our best not to fulfill the roles that our team wants us to be. Especially for Tax, since it's her last playing year na talaga.” she continued.
Making up for lost time
Tsunashima and the rest of the Blue Eagles approach UAAP Season 88 with cautious optimism.
After some years of missing out on the Final Four, they aren’t putting too much pressure on themselves. Rather, Tsunashima is focusing on what she can contribute for the team.
“I think for myself, I would want to be someone na parang to fulfill the role that my team needs to be. Gusto ko maging role model inside the court, and to be able to lead the team,” she said.
Tsunashima puts more premium on other things apart from results as well, especially with a lot of factors in the league being out of their control.
“At the same time, I also want to give myself grace during the times na parang I can't perform at 'yung pinaka-best ko. And more importantly, 'yung pinaka-importante siguro, is to be able to cherish every game, to be present, and to enjoy talaga,” she said.
Tsunashima and the Blue Eagles will begin their UAAP Season 88 bid on Sunday, February 15, with a rematch of last season’s opener against the Lady Falcons at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
—
Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.