17/09/2024
โค๏ธ
๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ | ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฐ๐ต
In the backdrop of diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, Central Luzon State Universityโs (CLSU) very own Softball Team unites with a shared and resolute purpose, fostering a bond that remains unbreakable. Guided by this attitude, thereโs nothing that can tear them apart.
Starting on their first hold of the bat, the team boasted a varied tapestry of narratives. Some drew inspiration from familial experiences, while others pitched on early journeys in their elementary and secondary years. Interestingly, these would later meet on the field, not as teammates, but also as rivals.
โNoong elementary at highschool magkakalaban po kami kaya memorable po sa akin na nakasama at naging kaibigan ko sila dito.โ recounted by third-year player, Sheila Castillo.
Apart from the glory of the sport itself, certain athletes found themselves in circumstances that compelled them to run an extra mile. Highlighting the positive impact on their personal lives, certain players leverage their university athlete status to provide financial support to their families. Since being a university athlete comes with certain perks, like complimentary boarding alongside academic benefits and monetary incentives, serve as additional motivation for team members.
โโDi kami financially stable kaya nakikita ko ang sports na to bilang paraan para gumaan [ang] paggastos ng mga magulang ko,โ said by team member Rosemarie Dela Cruz.
Athletes confront not only personal challenges, but also contend with diverse weather conditions during their outdoor training sessions. Alongside these physical stressors, these players arenโt free from mental pressures as well.
Glydle Alcantara, the Captain Ball, acknowledged by her stating, "Napakalaking responsibilidad no'n, lalo since first year pa lang ako. Kaya ibinibigay ko po lahat ng makakaya ko para magampanan ang pagiging captain ng isang team.โ
These players offer their blood, sweat, and tears, all in the name of their sport. Fortunately, these endeavors yielded positive results, exemplified by the team scoring a 22 - 0 against the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), a 5 - 2 victory against the Tarlac State University (TSU), and a 12 - 0 triumph against the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT). These achievements paved the way for a successful golden medal chase in the Regional Meet of the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association III (SCUAA).
As preparations for this yearโs SCUAA wrap up, the teamโs confidence from their past win streak was further bolstered by seeing evident improvements, not just in individual players, but also in overall team dynamics. Alcantara expresses, โNakikita ko po ngayon na mas handa kami, at walang mahina sa team. Ine-expect ko na mag-i-improve โyung performance namin pagdating sa Nationals.โ
As the team strives for greater heights in their athletic careers they also offer valuable advice to newcomers. Kyla Mariano advises, โ'Wag pong panghinaan ng loob, Hindi purkit mahina ka ngayon, magiging mahina ka hanggang sa dulo. Just trust the process.โ
Gradually finishing their preparations for their scheduled matches on Monday onwards, the remaining moments became an extension for rigorous practice. With every ball struck, with every skitfull pitch, and every tear shed, the pursuit for the coveted gold theyโve been working on seems to fly fair in their favor, possibly putting out results of another home run.
Written by Noel Manubay
Photo by France Joseph Pascual
Layout by Marco Bacnis
