Chapter 21: 1st Varsity Practice

Chapter 21: 1st Varsity Practice

Saturday finally came and it's time for Aria and her two fellow new bball varsity-mates, Yuan and Sammer, to be officially introduced. 

But first, she went out on a jog together with Orion. The morning air was cool and crisp as they set off, their sneakers thudding rhythmically against the pavement.

After a few more laps around the park, they slowed to a walk, cooling down and catching their breath.

"Monday ulit? Walang malalate sa atin Aria ha," Orion teased her gently, knowing that Aria is quite tardy. 

Aria laughed, nodding enthusiastically. "Oo naman kuya Orion!" 

They continued walking for a bit longer, exchanging tips on staying focused during practice. Eventually, they parted ways as Aria headed home to prepare.

"Well, kitakits sa Monday, Aria. Good luck sa practice mamaya," Orion said, giving her a supportive nod.

"Thanks kuya Orion. I'll catch you later," Aria replied, waving as she headed home to prepare.

Aria stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her shirt and taking a deep breath. She glanced at the clock and grabbed her gym bag, heading out the door to go to school. Because she was excited, she woke up early, ate lunch early, dress up early, and arrived at 11 am at the gym. But to her surprise, someone was already at the gym.

'Akala ko ako mauuna since it's still morning,' Aria thought as she remembered their coach saying that their practice is every Saturday afternoon.

"Ohh, bagong mukha ha. Isa ka ba sa mga freshmen na nakuha?" said the short girl who was getting the balls ready.

'Ang liit niya, kapatid ba 'to ng isa sa varsity members?' Aria thought.

Before Aria could answer, the gym doors swung open and a tall girl walked in, radiating confidence. She approached with a warm smile.

"Ang aga mo naman, Aria!" the tall girl greeted. "Di mo siguro ako nakita nung tryout, ako pala si Tamara, the team captain sa USTP girls basketball varsity team."

"Hi po, ate Tamara. Nice to meet you," Aria replied, feeling a bit more at ease.

Tamara turned to the short girl. "Nabi, si Aria Lim nga pala, isa sa new varsity members."

Nabi wiped her hands on her shorts and extended one to Aria. "Nice to meet you, Aria. I'm Nabi. Hindi makikita pero 4th year na ako sa Electrical Engineering."

"4th year?!" Aria unconsciously voiced out her thoughts as she shaked Nabi's hand.

Tamara replied, "Wag kang magpaloko sa kakulangan ng height ni Nabi, Aria, isa yan sa magaling rito."

Nabi chuckled, "Sanay na ako dyan, Aria. Pero seryoso, hindi lang puro height ang basketball."

"Tama si Nabi," Tamara agreed. "She has one of the best court vision sa team, pati ang kanyang passing skills. Makikita mo mamaya Aria."

As they continued chatting, Aria began to feel more comfortable with the two seniors.

Minutes later, Yuan arrived.

 "Hey, Aria! Nandito ka na pala,"  Yuan said as she jogged over at the group.

"Hi, Yuan!" Aria greeted, feeling even more at ease now that another familiar face had arrived. Aria immediately introduced Yuan to Tamara and Nabi, and they all chatted the time away as members soon went in the gym one by one. 

"Looks like nandito na ang lahat," Tamara said. "Bago pumasok si Coach Bermie, sisimulan na natin ang warm-up."

All members positioned themselves in a circle. The new members, Aria, Yuan, and Sammer, looked a bit confused but followed along. They started stretching, following Tamara's lead. As they finished stretching, Coach Bermie appeared, clipboard in hand, and greeted everyone.

"Good morning, team," Coach Bermie said, her voice commanding but friendly. "Before we start today's practice, I'd like to introduce our new varsity members."

She gestured towards Aria, Yuan, and Sammer, who stepped forward nervously.

"Everyone, please welcome Aria Lim, Yuan Foray, and Sammer Cruz to our team," Coach Bermie announced.

Applause and cheers echoed through the gym as the team welcomed the new members.

"Each of them brings unique strengths that will help strengthen our team as a whole. Aria, Yuan, and Sammer, we're excited to see how you'll contribute," Coach Bermie continued. "Now, simulan na natin ang drills."

The team cheered in response as Coach Bermie signaled for everyone to get into their respective drill positions. Aria and Sammer, though struggling with stamina, showed impressive skills in dribbling and shooting drills. Yuan, on the other hand, can barely keep up with the team but still showed some amazing shooting skills. 

As they moved through the fast-paced drills, Aria and Sammer occasionally slowed down to catch their breath, their stamina proving to be a challenge. However, they pushed themselves through each drill, determined to improve.

" Aria, nice shot!" Yuan encouraged as Aria sank a difficult three-pointer.

"Thanks, Yuan. galingan pa natin," Aria replied, dribbling past a defender.

Coach Bermie watched with interest, noting their strengths and areas for improvement. After a particularly demanding drill, she called for a water break.

"Break time muna girls," Coach Bermie instructed.

During the break, Tamara approached Aria and Sammer, impressed by their skills despite the stamina issues.

"Ang swerte namin, may magagaling na naman nakapasok," Tamara said, handing them water bottles. "Pero kailangan niyong i-work on ang stamina niyo."

"Thanks po, ate Tamara. We'll work on it," Aria replied gratefully.

'Mabuti naman at nagsimula na akong mag-jogging, may motivation rin sa side,' Aria happily thought as she took a long drink.

As practice resumed, Aria, Yuan, and Sammer focused on maintaining their energy levels. They paced themselves during drills, conserving energy for crucial moments. Despite the fatigue, their determination never wavered.

By the end of practice, Aria, Yuan, and Sammer felt a sense of accomplishment. They had showcased their skills and earned the respect of their teammates. Coach Bermie gathered the team for a final debrief.

"Excellent effort today, everyone," Coach Bermie commended. "And a special shout-out to our new members. Keep working on your stamina, and you'll see even better results."

The team cheered in agreement, showing their support for Aria, Sammer, and Yuan. Coach Bermie then made another announcement.

"Next Saturday, after our drills, we'll have a practice match. I'll be the one to divide the members into two teams. The losing team will do ten laps around the court and then help tidy up the gym," Coach Bermie declared, her eyes scanning the  team and then continued, "The boy's basketball varsity team will also be present next practice,"

The announcement sparked a mix of excitement and determination among the players. Aria exchanged determined glances with Yuan and Sammer, silently pledging to give their best effort.

With the practice officially concluded, Coach Bermie dismissed the team, reminding them to rest well and stay hydrated for the upcoming week. 

Yuan packed her bag, exchanging brief goodbyes with her teammates before heading out of the gym.

"Wait lang Yuan, sabay tayo ni Sammer lalabas!" Aria shouted as she grabbed Sammer and rushed to catch up with Yuan. 

Hearing Aria, Yuan stopped her tracks and adjusted her bag. 

"Sure, let's go," Yuan replied with a grin, waiting for Aria and Sammer to catch up.

Aria and Sammer hurried over, joining Yuan near the gym's exit. The three of them walked together, their footsteps echoing lightly in the corridor.

"Parang magkaka-muscle ache ako bukas dahil sa drills kanina," Aria remarked, as she stretched her arms.

"Kaya nga, grabe ang training pala," Sammer replied.

Yuan chuckled. "I think I'll be feeling it too. Pero worth it yung pagod natin ngayon."

As they reached the school gate, they bid each other goodbye, promising to stay in touch and prepare for the next practice. Aria watched Yuan and Sammer head off in different directions before she rode in a taxi towards her condo.

With a sense of satisfaction, Aria entered her room, ready to rest and recharge for her journey ahead.

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