Chapter 5
1080 Words
The day of Game 1 of the Finals finally came. Everyone is cheering for their respective schools, cheering for their favorite players. The match is about to start and the Hathoria University’s starting players are already introduced. The players lined up on their side of the court.
Now the players of Lireo de Ville University are being called.
“And now, for Hathoria University’s opponent, make some noise for the starting lineup of Lireo de Ville University!” the announcer said. The whole arena was filled with cheers and screams for LDVU. It’s their home court after all.
“Starting with jersey #5, opposite spiker, Aaron Valderama.”
“#3, their team captain, Allen de Juaiting.”
“Wearing jersey #10, setter, Miguel Veneracion.”
Some other players have been called and the crowd is getting wilder.
“Wearing jersey #19, middle blocker, Michael Rey”
The LDVU players now gathered on their side of the court. The crowd is getting pumped up as the game is about to start.
“We got this, guys. We’ve come along this far. And we will not lose.” Allen told his teammates.
“We got this! We got this! Let’s go, Eagles…” Michael shouted.
“FIGHT!” Everyone replied. The buzzer sounds within the four corners of the gymnasium, which is a sign for the game to begin. The players arranged themselves inside the court. Michael noticed Miguel being quiet since the beginning of the game.
“Hey, are you okay?” Michael asked without looking at him directly. Miguel replied without looking at him as well.
“Yes, I’m just nervous.” Miguel told him. Out of nowhere, Michael held his hand, which shocked him. They can hear people immediately screaming after seeing what they did.
“You can do this. I believe in you.” Michael told him. Miguel smiled as an answer.
The referee signaled everyone as the game was about to start. He blew on the whistle to indicate the server to serve the ball. The first one to serve was the Hathoria University players.
The front liners of the LDVU are Michael - Allen - Miguel (in zones 4, 3, and 2 respectively). The server on the opponent’s side of the court served the ball, which went directly towards Aaron.
The crowd immediately cheered as the team was about to attack. Miguel set the ball to Allen who immediately touched the hands of the blockers and secured the first point of Michael’s team. The crowd went wild as the team gathered in the middle to celebrate the point.
“Nice set, Miggy!” Allen cheered. Miguel didn’t smile at all because he was nervous. He then went to the service line.
The game continues and just like what they’ve discussed, they keep on feeding Michael the sets and he keeps on producing points, which lead them to set point advantage, 24 to 21.
Aaron is the one on the service line and getting ready to serve. They just need one more point to secure the first set.
He served the ball which was received well by the libero of HU, the setter set the ball to the open spiker and hit the ball. He hit the ball hard but it was blocked by Miguel and the ball dropped inside the court of the opponent.
The gymnasium was filled with cheers and screams as Michael’s team won the first set. But the celebration didn’t last when someone screamed.
“Miguel!” everyone looked to Miguel’s direction who was on the floor. Everyone went in his direction, and so was Michael.
“Miggy!” Allen called him. “What happened?”
Miguel groaned in pain. He’s crying as he holds Michael’s arm.
“I… I twisted my ankle after landing.” he told everyone. He’s really in pain. The medical staff of the team rushed over as well, checking on him, probably he’ll be benched for the rest of the game. Luckily, he can stand on his feet. Just walking with an awkwardness because of the pain.
“Let me carry him to the bench.” Michael told them, assisting Miguel. Everyone is looking at them while heading to the bench. He was subbed by the secondary setter of the team.
The medical team is now assessing Miguel, if he can go back to the game. Michael is just looking and observing them. They already suggested for Miguel to be seated out of the game.
The game continued and HU secured the second set. But Michael’s team fought back and claimed the third and fourth set, which made them win the match. Everyone is cheering for them, for they’re one win away from the crown.
Everyone celebrated, but Miguel rushed to the clinic where Miguel was brought to. Luckily, it’s just a minor sprain, and Miguel hopes to fully recover before the game 2, which is two days from now. But Michael advised him to rest. Good thing is that he can walk straight, but he’s not forcing it nor putting too much weight on his sprained ankle.
Michael is with Miguel the whole time. They went straight home after the game. They were in Miguel’s room while Miguel was facetiming his brother.
“Thank God, Michael was there. Why do I have this feeling that you just staged that act so Michael could be there to save you. Hahaha just kidding Miggy.” Janus joked to him. Miguel just rolled his eyes.
“Why would I fake an injury just for Michael to save me. So mean, Kuya huh?” Miguel replied.
“Yes, Miggy doesn’t need to do that. He’s always got my eyes and I’m always ready to save him.” Michael kissed him on the cheeks. Now it’s Janus’ turn to roll his eyes.
“Baby! Come here! Kiss me please.” Janus said in envy. Michael and Miguel just laughed at them. They talked about a few more things before ending the call.
“What a day!” Miguel told Michael while they’re hugging each other.
“Yes, so you should rest. You should recover fast. But don’t push yourself too much. If you can’t play in game 2, then leave it to us. We’ll win it for you. I’ll win it for you.” Michael told him.
“I’m sure you will.” Miguel replied and closed his eyes. He knew that Michael would do anything to wind the crown, for them.
- Writer
