Ravena motivated by Lady Eagles’ title romp

MANILA, Philippines – Many were left in awe of what the Ateneo Lady Eagles achieved in the recently concluded UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament. A 16-0 season sweep for their second straight title, after all, is no easy feat.

One person in particular is using that stunning title romp as inspiration and motivation.

Playing in his last year this coming Season 78, Kiefer Ravena of the Blue Eagles is determined to do his school proud after watching the women’s volleyball team rampage through their season.

“It’s my last year so nothing to look back on,” he said. “Couple more months before the season starts and I’m really dedicated this season.”

Ateneo’s men’s basketball team, despite gaining the top seed last year, were ousted by eventual champions National University and had struggled before that following a 5-peat completion in Season 75. Ravena assures this year will not be the same.

“People will really have to watch out for us. It will be different, that’s one thing I can promise.”

The reigning Most Valuable Player was particularly impressed with how the Lady Eagles never lost a single game all season long, something Ravena nearly achieved – at least for the elimination round – during his freshman year where he bagged Rookie of the Year honors. 

“Mahirap siya gawin e (It’s hard to do). People think that it’s so easy because you keep on winning,” he said, recaling Ateneo’s 13-1 Season 74 and his senior year in high school where the Blue Eaglets lost a total of 3 games in all of the tournaments they joined that year.

“But the pressure, it adds up. Every game, from the first game until the 14th game, it adds up. Props to the girls on handling pressure very, very well.” 

But it’s not winning per se that Ravena wants to emulate. For him, it’s about the unwavering desire.

“We have to give credit to the girls for playing it out for 16 straight games, having no intentions of losing. Mahirap yun (That’s hard),” he explained, offering insight on what it’s like to ride a long win streak. 

“Confidence gets up to you but they stayed humble and hungry. That’s the most important thing. I guess that’s one lesson that we, the basketball players, and all the other athletes, can learn from.”

By Season 78, Ateneo will have Ravena, Von Pessumal, Gwyne Capacio and Alfonzo Gotladera to lead the team with coach Bo Perasol at the helm. 

The new UAAP season starts on September 5. – Rappler.com