Cagayan Valley beat Smart-Maynilad, 2-0, in the best of three championship series of Shakey's V-League Open Conference to win its first-ever title in the tournament.
I have always been vocal in supporting Cagayan Valley for the simple reason that the people behind the team are selfless. While other teams have been selfish in lending their players to the national team, Cagayan willingly loaned ten of its players, including its head coach. With the gesture, Cagayan defined itself as having a higher purpose than winning the Shakey's V-League title. The gesture likewise showed the purposeful heart of the team. While other teams were simply hell-bent to win honor for their respective companies and institutions, Cagayan was more concerned of winning honor for the country.
Clearly, the experience that the Cagayan players gained from playing in the Asian Senior Women's Championship served Cagayan well. The team was greatly rewarded as the players gained confidence and maturity after playing against China and other Asian countries. Other teams simply failed to realize the advantage that could be gained from international competition.
What I find truly amusing is the fact that no less than Cagayan team manager, Dang Antonio-Pua, was willing to lose the title. She willingly released her players to the national team to allow them to have the rare opportunity of becoming national players. She knew how beneficial it would be for her players to play for the national team to the extent that she was willing to lose in the current tournament. Yet, Cagayan ended as champion nonetheless. It only goes to show that good things happen to those who do good.
Well done indeed, Cagayan.
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