Captain Roma Doromal is happy to have helped forge a promising path for Ateneo’s holdovers and future lineup in her final UAAP year. 

The graduating libero had her swansong for the Blue Eagles in a winning send-off after their dominant showing over the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-13, 25-17, 25-21, last April 24. 

Doromal and the Katipunan squad finished the eliminations with a 5-9 slate for fifth place in the standings which was a notch higher from last season. 

Unfortunately, it’s back-to-back Final Four misses for Ateneo which is seeing itself slowly thriving under the guidance of head coach Sergio Veloso. 

With Doromal’s departure, all she could hope was that she left a team headed towards meaningful growth. 

“Sobrang proud ako kasi nakita ko ‘yung progress ng teammates ko. As a team, from preseason to the first round until the second, nakita ko ‘yung progress and improvement,” said Doromal. 

“I’m very proud. Thankful ako [I chose to stay] and I got to help them.” 

However far from ideal the result was, Doromal is proud to see the Blue Eagles working for something more exciting beyond the season, firmly believing they are about to see their hard work and dedication pay off after a painful string of defeats.

“Nung nag-decide naman ako mag-stay, hinanap ko talaga ‘yung purpose ko. Staying with them, nakita ko ‘yung purpose ko na tulungan sila. As a libero, ‘yun ‘yung support na maibibigay ko. Hindi ako makaka-score ng points. But nandoon ako to help all the way. ‘Yun ang pinaka success for me, natulungan ko sila mag-grow sa bagong system and adapt ‘yung bagong system na ‘yun. Naipakita nila kung gaano sila kagaling,” she said. 

Veloso, for his part, was also optimistic for the last time this season. 

In his maiden UAAP stint, the Philippine national men’s volleyball team tactician deemed it a successful run, knowing what’s in store could only be better from here on. 

“This season, it’s a very big victory. I can feel that all players understood [where we’re at], how we can improve and play better [in the future]," he said.