NU setter Greg Ancheta, left, celebrates during a win over FEU within the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Feeling the load of the pressure, Greg Ancheta endured tearful nights, crying quietly in bed as he handled self-doubt without his teammates knowing.
Tasked with steering National University’s loaded offense bannered by Alas Pilipinas stars Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin, Ancheta admitted the journey was removed from easy, but one he eventually overcame through trust given by coach Dante Alinsunurin and his teammates and, more importantly, belief in himself.
“There have been times after I’d lie in bed crying alone. I just didn’t show it to my teammates or the people I shared a room with,” Ancheta said in Filipino.
READ: Latest UAAP crown is NU’s hardest title run, says Alinsunurin
“But I held on to Coach Dante’s reminder that I can’t rely only on the coaches if I need to play. I would like to have my very own identity as a player. I’m also thankful because they gave me their trust, and from there, I just kept working hard.”
After losing their last two games within the elimination round and ending with a 10-4 record, Alinsunurin lamented that their set plays became one in all their problems.
“There’s really a story behind that because I kept telling him that he needed to challenge himself. I desired to push him and see what he was able to because I knew he could help carry us to a championship,” said Alinsunurin of Ancheta.
“In that situation, I actually tried to bring out more from him. I told him he shouldn’t just rely on the coaching staff or the people teaching him. What’s necessary is that he learns easy methods to determine for himself — not only in volleyball, but additionally in life. He needs to construct his own identity as a player,” he added.
It lit the fireplace under Ancheta as he unleashed 30 excellent sets in NU’s win over University of Santo Tomas within the playoff for the No.2 spot. He then dished out 23 of their Final 4 victory against UST to succeed in the title round for the eleventh straight time.
READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs claim ‘six-peat’ with sweep of FEU Tamaraws
Within the finals opener, Ancheta anchored NU’s five-set comeback with 31 excellent sets and paced NU’s successful “six-peat” with 20 excellent sets of their 26-24, 25-22, 25-22 sweep of FEU to rule the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“It feels really good because I used to be capable of overcome all of the challenges that got here my way,” Ancheta said.
Alinsunurin, now an eight-time champion coach, credited his playmaker for accepting the challenge.
“With what he showed within the semifinals and finals, he was really impressive. I knew he was ready, and he performed thoroughly,” he said.
After overcoming the quiet battles nobody else saw, Ancheta found tranquility with NU’s latest championship.
“I need to thank coach Dante, who stood by my side and allowed me to fight for myself, too,” said Ancheta. “At this point, I feel like I don’t have anything left to prove except to provide my best every game. Possibly that is essentially the most meaningful championship I’ve won.”