For DLSU’s Bea Delos Reyes, there is always room to get better.
Last season, the rookie midfielder sprung into the scene by delivering impressive performances to help La Salle fill the void temporarily left by Sara Castañeda. The De La Salle Santiago Zobel alumna concluded her debut campaign with DLSU as champions and as the best rookie in Season 80. Achieving all of those in her first year must feel special.
Now in her second year, the Sports Management major knows that Season 81 is a clean slate. What she and the team achieved last season counts for nothing. With new challenges coming her way, the 20-year-old central midfielder is merely focused on finding ways to improve her game.
One facet of her game she might have worked on is her attacking prowess. Unlike last season, the lady from Parañaque has a goal to her name by scoring in the final elimination round game against would-be Finals opponents FEU. By scoring her first UAAP goal, the sophomore continues to show that she is capable of many things.
As she takes a break from a busy preparation for Thursday’s big game, Delos Reyes spent time to talk with GoArchers about her stellar sophomore season.
1 – How did it feel to score in the final elimination game?
Scoring in the final elimination game felt fulfilling knowing that we all played different roles in the team. As a central midfielder, my main job was to distribute the ball and execute passes to convert goals. It was also humbling to know that our team worked really hard together throughout the games.
2 – What challenges did you face this season and how did you overcome them?
The challenge I faced this season was tuning and honing myself to work with the team in a more efficient and cohesive manner. I persevered to grow through the good and bad times we had as a team and just doing my best with and for them.
3 – Your partnership with Sara Castañeda in the middle of the park has been outstanding – how would you describe your relationship both on and off the field?
Playing alongside with Sara in the middle has been a great experience because we communicate well on the pitch and know how to support each other on and off the field. Sara has been a great senior mentoring me; she has given me lots of advice on how to be great at my position.
4 – The team has not lost throughout the eliminations – what do you think makes yourselves tough to beat?
I believe it is the determination mindset of the team that makes us tough to crack under pressure. We’ve all made sacrifices this season like seeing my teammates grind harder out of practice. My belief is that, in every game that we play, we become stronger as a team and we remind each other of our collective end goal. Throughout the season, we’ve really bonded well, and I believe we’re all on the same page, which helped us communicate and understand each other.
5 – You have been identified as one of the reliable players in the squad. What do you think are the keys to performing well consistently?
Every game, I always think that it is the last game I’ll ever play in my entire career. I set my mind that I’m not only playing for myself but for the team, the coaches, the DLSU community and to all those supporting me.
6 – Do you think you are becoming one of the leaders of the team?
I think becoming a leader is part of the team already. Even if we all aren’t wearing the captain’s armband, each of us holds a responsibility to represent and protect the pride of our school. Then from there comes out the leadership spirit which I learn to mold myself into every day. I would do whatever it takes to help my teammates in any way that I can
7 – How are you looking forward to the championship game on Thursday?
I’m really looking forward to it because it’s the second time I’m going to play in the championship and it will be a tough one knowing that it’s a do or die game. We’re really working hard in our last few training sessions to prepare for it.
Witness Delos Reyes and her teammates in their attempt of bagging the school’s second three-peat championship as they square off against FEU on Thursday, 2 PM, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.