UAAP: Dacoron makes peace with coach, now ready to lead Adamson in final year | ABS-CBN
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UAAP: Dacoron makes peace with coach, now ready to lead Adamson in final year
UAAP: Dacoron makes peace with coach, now ready to lead Adamson in final year
Camille B. Naredo,
ABS-CBN News
Published Feb 11, 2019 04:00 PM PHT
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MANILA, Philippines -- Season 79 was a forgettable one for the Adamson University Lady Falcons. It took them seven games before they won even one set, and didn't barge into the win column until their final game of the women's volleyball tournament.
MANILA, Philippines -- Season 79 was a forgettable one for the Adamson University Lady Falcons. It took them seven games before they won even one set, and didn't barge into the win column until their final game of the women's volleyball tournament.
So troublesome was that year, that the most memorable moment occurred not on the court, but on the sidelines. Coach Airess Padda, then in her first season in charge, was caught on air telling middle blocker Joy Dacoron during a timeout to "do your (expletive) job."
So troublesome was that year, that the most memorable moment occurred not on the court, but on the sidelines. Coach Airess Padda, then in her first season in charge, was caught on air telling middle blocker Joy Dacoron during a timeout to "do your (expletive) job."
Padda apologized to Dacoron for her sharpness, and the coach and the middle blocker managed to coexist for yet another season together. But if Season 79 was forgettable, then Season 80 was nothing short of disappointing for Adamson.
Padda apologized to Dacoron for her sharpness, and the coach and the middle blocker managed to coexist for yet another season together. But if Season 79 was forgettable, then Season 80 was nothing short of disappointing for Adamson.
The Lady Falcons had a tremendous roster anchored by veterans Jema Galanza and Mylene Paat, along with setter Fenela Emnas and Dacoron herself. They also had a promising rookie in Chiara Permentilla, and transferee Eli Soyud. Adamson underperformed wildly, however, managing just a 6-8 win-loss record.
The Lady Falcons had a tremendous roster anchored by veterans Jema Galanza and Mylene Paat, along with setter Fenela Emnas and Dacoron herself. They also had a promising rookie in Chiara Permentilla, and transferee Eli Soyud. Adamson underperformed wildly, however, managing just a 6-8 win-loss record.
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They finished in fifth place in the league standings at the end of the year -- a far cry from preseason projections that had them as a surefire Final 4 squad.
They finished in fifth place in the league standings at the end of the year -- a far cry from preseason projections that had them as a surefire Final 4 squad.
Expectations are lower now, as they head into Season 81 with Padda is still calling the shots. Gone are Galanza, Paat, and Emnas, while Dacoron and Soyud are now the veterans of the team.
Expectations are lower now, as they head into Season 81 with Padda is still calling the shots. Gone are Galanza, Paat, and Emnas, while Dacoron and Soyud are now the veterans of the team.
To hear Dacoron tell it, though, she almost did not return for her final year of eligibility with the Lady Falcons. After all, she was already preparing for a post-Adamson career -- which included teaching, and playing for BanKo-Perlas in the Premier Volleyball League.
To hear Dacoron tell it, though, she almost did not return for her final year of eligibility with the Lady Falcons. After all, she was already preparing for a post-Adamson career -- which included teaching, and playing for BanKo-Perlas in the Premier Volleyball League.
Ironically, it was her stint with BanKo-Perlas that encouraged her to return.
Ironically, it was her stint with BanKo-Perlas that encouraged her to return.
"Doon sa BanKo Perlas, doon ko naano na, inaano din sa akin ng mga teammates ko doon na pahalagahan ko daw 'yung collegiate career ko," she explained. "Kasi 'yun 'yung parang, 'pag nag-volleyball ka, 'yung mga teammates mo naging family mo na. So sa BanKo-Perlas, pinapahalagahan 'yung family."
"Doon sa BanKo Perlas, doon ko naano na, inaano din sa akin ng mga teammates ko doon na pahalagahan ko daw 'yung collegiate career ko," she explained. "Kasi 'yun 'yung parang, 'pag nag-volleyball ka, 'yung mga teammates mo naging family mo na. So sa BanKo-Perlas, pinapahalagahan 'yung family."
Players like Sue Roces, Jem Ferrer, and Dzi Gervacio -- all accomplished collegiate athletes in their own right -- convinced Dacoron to give UAAP volleyball another shot.
Players like Sue Roces, Jem Ferrer, and Dzi Gervacio -- all accomplished collegiate athletes in their own right -- convinced Dacoron to give UAAP volleyball another shot.
"Ine-encourage nga 'yung family po. Tapos 'yun nga, 'yung realization ko na minsan ka lang maging college. 'Yung attachment ko rin sa mga bata, it's hard to detach. Kaya bumalik ako for them," said Dacoron.
"Ine-encourage nga 'yung family po. Tapos 'yun nga, 'yung realization ko na minsan ka lang maging college. 'Yung attachment ko rin sa mga bata, it's hard to detach. Kaya bumalik ako for them," said Dacoron.
Of course, it wasn't smooth sailing. Dacoron still had to "fix her connection" with Padda, a relationship that had frayed over the course of the last few months.
Of course, it wasn't smooth sailing. Dacoron still had to "fix her connection" with Padda, a relationship that had frayed over the course of the last few months.
"Nag-sorry ako, nag-sorry kaming dalawa," she said. "Na-accept ko naman, kaya bumalik ako."
"Nag-sorry ako, nag-sorry kaming dalawa," she said. "Na-accept ko naman, kaya bumalik ako."
Dacoron said it took her a while, but she has come to understand why she became a target of Padda's ire.
Dacoron said it took her a while, but she has come to understand why she became a target of Padda's ire.
"Ngayon, mas na-appreciate 'yung mga pagra-rant niya, mga pagalit niya sa akin, mga ganoon," she says.
"Ngayon, mas na-appreciate 'yung mga pagra-rant niya, mga pagalit niya sa akin, mga ganoon," she says.
"Ang gusto lang naman niya is maging disiplinado talaga. And then may nakikita rin siyang mga potential na meron ako, which is hindi ko naa-appreciate, hindi ko nakikita sa sarili ko," Dacoron admitted.
"Ang gusto lang naman niya is maging disiplinado talaga. And then may nakikita rin siyang mga potential na meron ako, which is hindi ko naa-appreciate, hindi ko nakikita sa sarili ko," Dacoron admitted.
As she heads into her final season, Dacoron said she now sees what Padda has long seen in her -- all the talent and the promise that went along with her physical tools.
As she heads into her final season, Dacoron said she now sees what Padda has long seen in her -- all the talent and the promise that went along with her physical tools.
"Right now, ina-accept ko 'yung mga sinasabi niya and ginagawa ko na lang ng tama 'yung mga gusto niya," says the veteran.
"Right now, ina-accept ko 'yung mga sinasabi niya and ginagawa ko na lang ng tama 'yung mga gusto niya," says the veteran.
With the offseason drama with her coach now in her rearview, Dacoron can fully focus on becoming the leader that Adamson will desperately need in Season 81.
With the offseason drama with her coach now in her rearview, Dacoron can fully focus on becoming the leader that Adamson will desperately need in Season 81.
The Lady Falcons will miss out on Galanza and Paat's production on offense and stability on defense, and Emnas' savvy playmaking. Much is being asked of Dacoron to be their defensive anchor at the net, and of Soyud and Permentilla to provide the scoring punch for Adamson.
The Lady Falcons will miss out on Galanza and Paat's production on offense and stability on defense, and Emnas' savvy playmaking. Much is being asked of Dacoron to be their defensive anchor at the net, and of Soyud and Permentilla to provide the scoring punch for Adamson.
Dacoron said she is ready to shoulder her share of the leadership load.
Dacoron said she is ready to shoulder her share of the leadership load.
"Sa team po namin, parang in-accept ko na 'yung responsibility na ako ang magbibigay ng momentum sa team," she said. "Dalawa kami ni Eli (Soyud). So parang hinati namin, na ako ang magte-take charge inside the court, na momentum na 'yun."
"Sa team po namin, parang in-accept ko na 'yung responsibility na ako ang magbibigay ng momentum sa team," she said. "Dalawa kami ni Eli (Soyud). So parang hinati namin, na ako ang magte-take charge inside the court, na momentum na 'yun."
"And also, 'yung mga natutunan ko din outside, na dapat mag-jell tayo inside the court, na kung may error, huwag kayong mahiyang magsabi sa mga teammate niyo na nag-error ka, iwasan mo 'yung mga 'yun," she added.
"And also, 'yung mga natutunan ko din outside, na dapat mag-jell tayo inside the court, na kung may error, huwag kayong mahiyang magsabi sa mga teammate niyo na nag-error ka, iwasan mo 'yung mga 'yun," she added.
"So parang tanggalin namin ang barrier. Kung ate ka man o hindi, dapat open communication tayo to correct."
"So parang tanggalin namin ang barrier. Kung ate ka man o hindi, dapat open communication tayo to correct."
In this regard, Dacoron is once again leaning on the team that had encouraged her to return to her collegiate home. Her experiences with BanKo-Perlas in the offseason will serve her well as she plays her final year in the UAAP, said the middle blocker.
In this regard, Dacoron is once again leaning on the team that had encouraged her to return to her collegiate home. Her experiences with BanKo-Perlas in the offseason will serve her well as she plays her final year in the UAAP, said the middle blocker.
"For me nagbibigay talaga siya ng malaking advantage na naglaro ako doon, lalo na noong nag-international kami. Noong nag-international kami, doon ko na-ano yung great potential na meron ako," said Dacoron, referring to their stint in the Vinh Long Television Cup in October 2018.
"For me nagbibigay talaga siya ng malaking advantage na naglaro ako doon, lalo na noong nag-international kami. Noong nag-international kami, doon ko na-ano yung great potential na meron ako," said Dacoron, referring to their stint in the Vinh Long Television Cup in October 2018.
"Kaya bumalik din ako sa Adamson kasi parang may unfinished business pa akong naano. Nag-start ako ng volleyball sa Adamson, so dapat mag-end ako na high note din ang mabibigay ko sa Adamson," she concluded.
"Kaya bumalik din ako sa Adamson kasi parang may unfinished business pa akong naano. Nag-start ako ng volleyball sa Adamson, so dapat mag-end ako na high note din ang mabibigay ko sa Adamson," she concluded.
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Tennis: Djokovic calls for overhaul of 'unfair' anti-doping system
Tennis: Djokovic calls for overhaul of 'unfair' anti-doping system
Agence France-Presse
Published Feb 18, 2025 12:50 PM PHT
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic waves at the crowd after his defeat against Australia's Alexei Popyrin during their men's singles third round match on day five of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on August 30, 2024. Angela Weiss, AFP/File
![Serbia's Novak Djokovic waves at the crowd after his defeat against Australia's Alexei Popyrin during their men's singles third round match on day five of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on August 30, 2024. Angela Weiss, AFP/File](https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739852784764AFP__20240831__36EZ3PP__v1__Preview__TennisUsaOpen.jpg)
DOHA, Qatar -- Novak Djokovic on Monday urged tennis authorities to overhaul the sport's anti-doping system, pointing to "inconsistencies" in cases involving top stars Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek and those of lower-ranked players.
DOHA, Qatar -- Novak Djokovic on Monday urged tennis authorities to overhaul the sport's anti-doping system, pointing to "inconsistencies" in cases involving top stars Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek and those of lower-ranked players.
World number one Sinner agreed to a three-month ban on Saturday, admitting "partial responsibility" for mistakes by his team which led to him twice testing positive for traces of clostebol in March last year.
World number one Sinner agreed to a three-month ban on Saturday, admitting "partial responsibility" for mistakes by his team which led to him twice testing positive for traces of clostebol in March last year.
Sinner was facing a potential ban of two years after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against his initial exoneration by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), announced in August.
Sinner was facing a potential ban of two years after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against his initial exoneration by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), announced in August.
In a surprising move, WADA withdrew its appeal and came to an agreement with Sinner to accept a three-month ban.
In a surprising move, WADA withdrew its appeal and came to an agreement with Sinner to accept a three-month ban.
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In another high-profile case last year, five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek accepted a one-month ban after testing positive for the banned heart drug trimetazidine.
In another high-profile case last year, five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek accepted a one-month ban after testing positive for the banned heart drug trimetazidine.
"There's a majority of the players that I've talked to in the locker room, not just in the last few days, but also last few months, that are not happy with the way this whole process has been handled," said Djokovic.
"There's a majority of the players that I've talked to in the locker room, not just in the last few days, but also last few months, that are not happy with the way this whole process has been handled," said Djokovic.
"A majority of the players don't feel that it's fair. A majority of the players feel like there is favouritism happening. It seems like, it appears that you can almost affect the outcome if you are a top player, if you have access to the top lawyers."
"A majority of the players don't feel that it's fair. A majority of the players feel like there is favouritism happening. It seems like, it appears that you can almost affect the outcome if you are a top player, if you have access to the top lawyers."
In contrast, the recently retired Simona Halep, a former world number one, was handed a four-year ban by the ITIA in 2022 after testing positive for the blood-boosting drug roxadustat.
In contrast, the recently retired Simona Halep, a former world number one, was handed a four-year ban by the ITIA in 2022 after testing positive for the blood-boosting drug roxadustat.
She argued it was the result of a tainted supplement and successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced her suspension to nine months.
She argued it was the result of a tainted supplement and successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced her suspension to nine months.
"Simona Halep and (Britain's) Tara Moore and some other players that are maybe less known that have been struggling to resolve their cases for years, or have gotten the ban for years," said Djokovic.
"Simona Halep and (Britain's) Tara Moore and some other players that are maybe less known that have been struggling to resolve their cases for years, or have gotten the ban for years," said Djokovic.
"There is so much inconsistencies between the cases."
"There is so much inconsistencies between the cases."
Djokovic, who is returning to action this week at the Qatar Open for the first time since retiring injured from last month's Australian Open semi-finals, believes a change is needed.
Djokovic, who is returning to action this week at the Qatar Open for the first time since retiring injured from last month's Australian Open semi-finals, believes a change is needed.
"Right now it's a ripe time for us to really address the system, because the system and the structure obviously doesn't work (for) anti-doping, it's obvious," he said.
"Right now it's a ripe time for us to really address the system, because the system and the structure obviously doesn't work (for) anti-doping, it's obvious," he said.
"I hope that in the next period of the near future that the governing bodies are going to come together, of our tours and the tennis ecosystem, and try to find a more effective way to deal with these processes.
"I hope that in the next period of the near future that the governing bodies are going to come together, of our tours and the tennis ecosystem, and try to find a more effective way to deal with these processes.
"It's inconsistent, and it appears to be very unfair."
"It's inconsistent, and it appears to be very unfair."
"If you are going to treat every case individually or independently, which is what's happening, then there's no consistency, then there is no transparency, and some cases are transparent, some are not," he continued.
"If you are going to treat every case individually or independently, which is what's happening, then there's no consistency, then there is no transparency, and some cases are transparent, some are not," he continued.
"The problem is that right now there is a lack of trust generally from the tennis players, both male and female, towards WADA and ITIA, and the whole process."
"The problem is that right now there is a lack of trust generally from the tennis players, both male and female, towards WADA and ITIA, and the whole process."
© Agence France-Presse
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