DE LA SALLE will be strong enough to defend its women’s volleyball crown in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines next season even though five key players would no longer be eligible.
“It’s going to be different next season kasi mawawala ‘yung five naming seniors,” Season 78 Finals Most Valuable Player Kim Dy said. “But nothing’s impossible since marami namang papasok sa team so malay niyo may mag-step up na iba. We’ll see next season.”
Best Blocker Majoy Baron, who will also return next season, agreed with Dy saying they still have what it takes to lead the team.
“We have to maintain the standard na nagawa namin this season and for the next season we’ll do our best to maintain that standard,” Baron said.
As for the graduating players—Ara Galang, Mika Reyes, Mika Esperanza, Carol Cerveza, and Cyd Demecillo—their plans remain in the balance although the semi-professional leagues Shakey’s V-League and Philippine Superliga would definitely secure their services.
The national team is also tops in their priorities.
“Who wouldn’t say no if given the opportunity [to play in the national team]?” said Reyes, who played a major role in De La Salle’s dramatic 2-1 victory over archrival Ateneo in the best-of-three finals.
“I’m willing to join the tryouts. There’s nothing to lose,” Reyes said, adding she will consider any other offer from any commercial league or even show business.
The victorious De La Salle team graced Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate, including the league’s Best Setter Kim Fajardo.
The other members of the team are Dawn Macandili, May Luna, Carmel Saga, Ernestine Tiamzon, Norielle Ipac and Christine Joy Soyud.
Galang said she hasn’t decided yet whether or not to join the commercial leagues, but stressed that if an offer comes along, she would consider.
Playing for the national team, she said, is a no-brainer.
“If there’s an opportunity,” she said in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp. Shakey’s, Accel and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Demecillo also expressed her willingness to be part of the national team, especially when the Philippines hosts the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Fajardo is still undecided if she will complete her fifth year of eligibility next season. But the national team, she said, is a different matter.
“If I’m considered, why not? It’s a rare opportunity to play for flag and country. If asked, I will grab the opportunity,” she said.
Image credits: Roy Domingo