NOT every loss is a loss. Especially when something good comes out from the setback.
This, the defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu learned on Sunday night when fell to last year’s losing finalist University of San Jose-Recoletos, 25-23, 26-24 but found something they have been missing all season long — giving their best effort regardless of what the result may be.
The Magis Eagles showed tenacity all game long as they countered USJ-R’s run with their own, most notably unloading a sizzling 7-0 blitz in the second set after being down by six for a 21-20 lead late in the game.
And this type of effort is what Magis Eagles head coach Mario Sala is hoping his players can show when they gun for the last semifinal spot against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation this Saturday.
SHS-AdC is currently in fourth spot with a 3-3 (win-loss) card just ahead of the University of Cebu’s 3-4 and the University of San Carlos’ 2-4 and must win this Saturday to advance to the semis.
“The girls played their hearts out. That was the spirit we expect from the team in the next games. With that note, I know that was a turning point of how they’ll gonna play their next games,” Sala said.
Sala said that they have a good chance of winning if the girls will show that kind of effort against USPF.
After all, Sala values effort more than winning because as what he said, “Winning is just a passing thing. If we win, it will pass in a few years but effort won’t pass because they can carry it with them.”