Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles team captain Lance De Castro became emotional as he finally concluded his collegiate career with a hard-fought 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-12 victory against the University of the East Red Warriors on Saturday, April 26.
In his last game playing for the blue-and-white, De Castro had 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
“I remember last year, I was in the same position. I think I was also asked what type of advice to give to the younger ones. Sabi ko, palagi lang sila maging teachable, maging coachable, and then maging humble lang in every way,” De Castro said after their victory.
De Castro may not return for the Blue Eagles next week, but he already had a vision on who could lead the team – Amil Pacinio, Kennedy Batas, and Jian Salarzon.
“I think for the past few months, five to seven months na complete kami, that’s one thing they proved to me. That’s one thing I’m very proud of, especially sa mga leaders na ‘to. ‘Yang tatlong ‘yan, they really proved how they can handle the team and how they can lead the team in their own little ways and also sa mga big ways.”
“I think, kitang-kita naman in every training na napamahal din kami sa volleyball basically. Tini-tyaga namin every training at nag-e-extra pa kami. I think those are the little things that really matter, kasi in those ways, masasabi talaga namin na gustong-gusto namin makabawi this season. Pero ‘yun nga, kinapos na naman kami so sayang.”
After losing the first two sets, the Blue Eagles almost gave up in the match, but it was De Castro’s heroics that awakened the fighting spirits of his teammates.
“I think last night, during our extra session, what was really reiterated and highlighted was that our team was known for being risk-takers. I think earlier ‘yun ‘yung pumasok sa utak namin. UE, given their standing, they had nothing to lose. Nilalaban nila nang nilalaban kasi gusto nila makatikim ng panalo,” he admitted.
“On our end, although wala na kaming chance mag-Final Four, we really wanted to end the season on a high note. I think ‘yung mga sinabi ni coach Vince naging wake-up call sa amin that really made us work, kasi ‘di naman ibibigay sa amin ng UE ‘yan. Lahat ng naglalaro ng volleyball dito, gusto makatikim ng panalo.”
For the third straight year, the Blue Eagles ended the eliminations with a 7-7 record, while the Red Warriors went winless in 14 games.
Despite failing to return to the Final Four, De Castro said he had no regrets about using his last playing year in collegiate volleyball. Now, he only hoped that the young generation of Blue Eagles would remember how he led the team inside and outside the court by playing joyfully.
He ended, “Siguro, if I would describe (my legacy) in one word, it would be enjoyment. I think, as a player, that’s one thing I embody inside the court: the joy and the fun. ‘Yun din ang gusto namin mangyari, and I think we play best when we’re having fun. So, that’s one legacy I would like to impart to the younger ones.”
