MANILA, Philippines – After sitting out an entire season due to injury, Desiree Cheng completed an inspiring comeback by playing a huge role in De La Salle University's run to the UAAP Season 79 women's volleyball title.

Cheng tore the ACL in her left knee in the lead-up to Season 78 during an exhibition match in Osamis City. Thus, she could only watch the Lady Spikers win the title that season, beating the Lady Eagles in three games.

Before the season started, Cheng told ABS-CBN News that she felt "stronger than ever," that the "comeback is real." However, it took a while before Cheng could truly show her worth, with coach Ramil de Jesus noting that the open hitter was shaky to start the Season 79 tournament.

"Natuwa ako sa kanya, kasi noong nag-start ang season, medyo mababa ang performance," De Jesus said of Cheng. "Unti-unti, nag-step up. Step up, step up."

"Madalas ngang umiiyak ito sa training, kasi sabi ko, hindi pwedeng ganyang klase ang galaw mo, hindi aabot 'yan. Sabi ko, pagbalik mo itong Season 79, dapat ibang Des Cheng ang darating dito. Mas higit pang Des Cheng."

[I was happy for her because when the season started, she wasn't performing very well. Slowly but surely, she started to step up. She often cried in practice because I would tell her that she needs to work on her performance. I told her that in Season 79, she should be better.]

Taking her coach's words to heart, Cheng proceeded to grow stronger as the tournament progressed and, by the time the Finals rolled around, she was brimming with confidence and served as an all-around weapon for setter Kim Fajardo.

Cheng went on to score 12 points, including a crucial point in the fifth set, in Game 2 of the best-of-3 series to help La Salle clinch the title. She was eventually named Finals MVP, with de Jesus singling out her work on the receiving end.

"Nakita ko 'yung 100% sa receive," De Jesus said of Cheng. "Malaking bagay 'yun para sa team, para makapag-execute ng play si (Kim) Fajardo."

[She gave her 100% on reception. That's big for the team because Kim Fajardo can execute our plays.]

It was an unexpected honor for Cheng, who broke down in tears when she was announced as the winner.

"Hindi ko naman ine-expect na maging Finals MVP," said Cheng. "Ang hangad ko talaga is 'yung big trophy – the championship talaga."

[I didn't expect to be the Finals MVP. All I wanted was the big trophy – the championship.]

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