UAAP: Ateneo faces early adversity after Zel Tsunashima injury

Ateneo coach Sergio Veloso exemplified the team's strong camaraderie following their season-opening loss to Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. This defeat was compounded by a significant setback: key player Zel Tsunashima suffered an apparent serious injury to her left leg during the fifth set.

Despite the dual blow of losing the match and potentially a crucial player early in the tournament – a situation that could mentally break a team – Veloso provided vital leadership. He emphasized resilience and faith to Tsunashima after the injury, stating, "God has a purpose. All the time, we talk to the players and we tell them that they need strong hearts and minds but sometimes, God pushes us but we don’t know the purpose." Veloso encouraged her to relax and assured her the injury could be overcome, acknowledging the difficulty given her hard work throughout the season.

The injury occurred during a highly intense fifth set against Adamson. Tsunashima hurt her left leg while attempting a block and required a stretcher to leave the court.