ARELLANO University coach Obet Javier is not a superstitious person. But on this one single moment of his life, he believes his late wife was there all along to guide them to their recent dramatic NCAA title victory over San Sebastian.
Coming in as underdogs, the Lady Chiefs outlasted reigning three-time MVP Grethcel Soltones and the Lady Stags, 25-15, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, to complete a finals’ sweep and claim their second women’s volleyball title in the 92nd NCAA tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday.
After the win, Javier said there was something supernatural that came into play.
“From the start of the finals, I knew my wife was there,” said Javier referring to Amy Marie, who passed away more than a week ago due to lung cancer. “And I keep talking to her to help us and guide us because I knew she wants us to win the championship again. I’m also thankful that my players kept telling me before the finals that they will dedicate the championship to her.”
And the Lady Chiefs did just that as they wrapped up their fairy tale season by winning 12 straight matches, including a three-game finals sweep after starting the season with a heartbreaking five-set defeat to the Lady Stags in a duel where the former led by two sets only to disintegrate in the end.
It turned out AU used it as a springboard to success.
Javier said it was about heart and a heavy dose of hard work.
“The players showed heart and really worked hard to win this championship,” he said.
Peter Cayco, the school’s representative to the Management Committee and the acting Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. president, agreed.
“The school is proud of their accomplishment, the team’s hard work paid off,” said Cayco.
While San Sebastian had a hard time getting strong plays outside Soltones, AU played more like a team and drew strength from multiple sources, headed by Ria Sante, Andrea Marzan and Jovielyn Prado.
Prado shone the brightest as she went home with not only the title, the Lady Chiefs’ second after they also reigned supreme two years ago, but the Finals MVP.
“Thankful to have been blessed like this,” said Prado.
