MANILA, Philippines — When UST's Angge Poyos went down after twisting her right ankle following a block attempt in the second set of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball Game One Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on May 11, Sheena Toring felt nervous.
After all, she knew what it was like to be in that position, having suffered a partial tear on her left knee also in Game One of the NU - La Salle championship series last year that took place at the Big Dome as well.
Toring and the Bulldogs went on to lose the series and their crown to the Lady Spikers.
"What happened to Poyos earlier, it was nostalgic. I actually felt nervous. Get well soon [Poyos]," said Toring after the match where she pumped 10 points on six attacks, three blocks, and one service ace as her Lady Bulldogs defeated the Golden Tigresses, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20.
Toring worked tirelessly to recover from her injury and with the help of her coaches, the 5-foot-10 middle blocker is making progress in her performance, doing her production on the biggest stage no less.
In a do-or-die battle against the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the semifinals last Wednesday when she turned 23, Toring also came through as she banged 13 points including six blocks.
"I'm thankful that I have coaches who's very good at putting my body in the best condition possible. I'm really thankful for them. But you must do your part in recovery too. If you're hardworking, if you train hard, it will translate into your performance," said Toring.
"I'm so happy that I'm starting to get consistent since the semis. I hope that next game will be the last of the series. We need to finish it so there would be no place for nervousness."
Toring, playing in her third season, was the first to admit that she has a huge room for improvement, though.
"I'm happy but I still need to improve because to be honest I'm not that confident yet with my performance. I'm still having those nervous moments when I'm playing."
Toring and the Bulldogs shoot for the championship in Game Two at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, May 15, which could be the day when Toring can complete her personal redemption.