Paat, Emnas poised for triumphant return to Adamson

MANILA, Philippines – As Adamson University slumped to a one-win campaign in UAAP Season 79, veterans Mylene Paat and Fenela Emnas watched helplessly from the sidelines.

Both Paat and Emnas decided not to play in Season 79 for various reasons. They didn't turn their backs to the sport, however; instead both Paat and Emnas played for various club teams. All the while, Adamson floundered.

With Jema Galanza the lone veteran in the roster, the Lady Falcons lost their first 13 games, before managing to defeat University of the East in their last game of the women's volleyball tournament.

It was the silver lining that the Lady Falcons badly needed after such a difficult campaign. As it turns out, the win was the harbinger of even more good news for Adamson. During the offseason, they unveiled transferees Eli Soyud and Chiara Permentilla, both of whom are touted as key contributors this year.

What truly lifted the spirits of Adamson fans, however, was the return of Paat and Emnas to the squad for Season 80, in what will be their final playing season.

"I'm super excited," Adamson coach Air Padda said of the duo's highly anticipated return. "I knew that I wanted an opportunity to coach them."

Emnas and Paat fit seamlessly into the team upon their return, said Padda. The American coach was impressed with Emnas's work ethic and volleyball IQ, and lauded Paat for her willingness to give up her holiday vacation just to train with the team.

The younger Adamson players also welcomed them with open arms, the coach said.

"They look up to both Fen and Mylene," Padda said of the other Lady Falcons.

Another player who delighted in their return? Galanza, Adamson's star spiker who carried the bulk of the scoring load for the Lady Falcons in Season 79.

The open hitter wore down as the tournament went on, and had to miss a couple of games due to an injury. In her final playing year, however, Galanza will have plenty of help.

"Sobrang saya ko kasi bumalik si Ate Cha (Paat) at si Fenela," said Galanza, who formed a formidable tandem with Paat back in Season 78. "Na-miss ko silang kalaro, kasi iba rin 'yung ambiance kapag and'yan sila sa loob ng court."

"Sobrang galing nilang players," she added. "Hindi ko nafi-feel na mabigat 'yung team. Talagang malaking tulong silng dalawa para sa amin."

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More mature players

Paat and Emnas, for their part, are both excited to return to a team that is tipped to be a Final 4 contender in Season 80.

Returning to the team was not an easy decision for either player, but both Emnas and Paat were motivated to come back after seeing how badly their teammates struggled in Season 79.

"Noong sumasama ako sa training, nakikita ko 'yung mga kulang," said Emnas, who was invited by Padda to join the team in scrimmages. "Sabi nila, if ever na gusto ko pa, at may eagerness pa ako na tumulong ibalik sa Final 4 'yung Adamson, why not? Sayang din 'yung playing year ko."

"Noong nakita kong naglalaro 'yung Adamson sa UAAP, nagkaroon ako ng goosebumps, naramdaman ko na kailangan kong bumalik at patunayan na may igagaling pa 'yung Adamson," said Paat.

"Nakaka-frustrate lang marinig na maraming nag-dadown sa Adamson dahil sa standings natin. Mas nakaka-frustrate kasi alam kong kaya ko pang tumulong sa kanila," she added.

Now that they are back, Paat and Emnas are ready to showcase not just their skills and talent, but also a more mature approach to the game after a season at the sidelines.

"'Yung one year na pag-stop ko sa Adamson, doon ko na-train 'yung mental toughness ko at pag-handle ng emotions ko," said Paat, who played for Cignal in the Philippine Superliga last year. "Kaya ko nang i-handle kung anuman ang mangyari."

Emnas, for her part, said: "Bago pa naman ako pumasok dito, iniisip ko na 'yung kaya kong ibigay, not only in the court. Siyempre, kahit outside. Gusto ko ma-feel nila 'yung presence ko as a leader."

Adamson was already going to be a much-improved team in Season 80, with or without the pair. Soyud and Permentilla are both powerful spikers who can put up points in a hurry. Galanza looks to be fully recovered from an ankle injury that cut short her campaign in the PVL, and they also welcomed back May Roque from an ACL injury.

But having Paat and Emnas back should put Adamson over the top. With them in the fold, the Lady Falcons should be a solid contender for a Final 4 spot.

"Huwag niyo pong batiin!" exclaimed Emnas, when asked about a Final 4 run for the Lady Falcons. "Basta po, lalaban kami."

"Siyempre, lahat gusto makapasok sa Final 4. Kailangan lang talaga, lumabas 'yung laro namin, tapos mag-jell kami as a team. Kailangan, sabay-sabay kami umangat," she added.

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