MANILA, Philippines – Winning a championship is always a special feeling, but the Arellano University Lady Chiefs' victory in the NCAA Season 92 Finals was more emotional and memorable than usual.

Arellano swept San Sebastian College in three games, completed by a four-set victory in Game 3, to secure their second NCAA women's title in three seasons. They overhauled a thrice-to-beat handicap against the Lady Stags, who entered the Finals outright after sweeping the elimination round.

"Pinaghirapan namin 'yung tao na ito ngayon," Arellano coach Obet Javier told reporters after the game.

"Maganda rin 'yung motivation namin," he added. "Kasi, sabi ng mga players ko, 'Coach, ang unang-unang motivation namin is para kay Tita.'"

[We worked hard for this. My players said that first and foremost, their motivation was my wife.]

Javier's wife, Amy Marie, died of lung cancer two weeks ago, while the Lady Chief were in the thick of preparations for the step-ladder semifinals of the Season 92 tournament.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa players ko, kasi sa ganoong bagay, nalaman ko na talagang dinamayan nila ako," he said.

[I'm thankful to my players, because they grieved with me.]

• READ: Lady Chiefs back on the throne in sweep of Lady Stags

Jovielyn Prado, who earned Finals MVP honors after a 14-point effort in Game 3, said they were inspired by their coach, who did not let his personal tragedy affect his job with the team.

"Sa pinagdaanan ni Coach, ayun po talaga ang motivation talaga namin," said Prado. "Si Coach po kasi, sobrang tatag. Halos hindi namin alam na may pinagdadaanan po siya."

"Noong nalaman po namin, nag-go hard po talaga kami, para hindi niya na po kami intindihin," she added. "Ayun po ang ginawa namin."

[We were motivated by what our coach was going through. Our coach is so strong, we didn't even know his struggles. So when we found out, we just worked harder, so he wouldn't have to worry about us.]

The Lady Chiefs were underdogs against the Lady Stags, having already lost to them in the first game of the season. But Javier felt they had some help from his late wife, who was a caregiver in Spain at the time of her death.

"Game 1 pa lang, alam ko na andoon 'yung misis ko," he revealed. "Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na i-guide mo ako, i-guide mo kami. Alam ko na gusto-gusto mo ulit na manalo tayo sa NCAA."

[Even in Game 1, I could already feel her presence. I always told her, 'Guide me, guide us. I know you want us to win the NCAA championship again.]

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