The coming University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament is going to be entirely different for defending champion De La Salle University.
Compared to last year when the Lady Spikers were the ones chasing glory to end a five-year title drought, this time they will be walking with a huge target on their backs when the exciting collegiate volleyball wars begin on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Actually, coach Ramil (De Jesus) would always remind us that this season will be harder because we are the defending champions unlike before where we were the ones chasing the title,” La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo said during the tournament’s press conference held Monday at the same Pasay City venue.
The green-clad squad braces for an
all-out war against a tough field. Retaining the crown — the school’s 12th overall
— would be extra challenging following the departure of La Salle’s key players.
The Lady Spikers saw veteran hitter Jolina dela Cruz and ace setter Mars Alba exhaust their playing eligibility last season while leaving a winning legacy.
La Salle, however, lost two more starters after dethroning National University in a best-of-three finals series sweep when middle Fifi Sharma and libero Justine Jazareno decided to turn pro as they joined Akari.
“Now everyone’s after our heads and it’s harder now because we also lost a lot of players,” the long-time deputy of multi-titled coach De Jesus said.
“Although we did prepare for this season, we’ll see in the game what their improvements are.”
La Salle had a long and fruitful preparation for its title defense. It ruled the Shakeys’ Super League National Invitationals after its UAAP conquest despite sitting out reigning Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Angel Canino.
The Lady Spikers also held a training camp in Thailand.
“Our international exposure gave the team a huge boost. They saw how high the level of play in Thailand is. At least they saw what adjustments they needed to improve,” Orcullo said.
Aside from Canino, veteran middle Thea Gagate will be sharing the spotlight as one of the team’s go-to guys and on-court leaders.
“I already accepted the responsibility to show to our younger teammates and coaches that us Ates and seniors will take charge of leading the team inside the court,” the 6-foot two-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker said.
Also returning for the Lady Spikers are Shevana Laput, Alleiah Malaluan, Maicah Larroza, Amie Provido and libero Lyka de Leon.
Playmaker Julia Coronel will have to step up to fill in the big shoes left by Alba.
“We’re very confident of getting the back-to-back championship and we’ll definitely work hard for it together as a team,” Gagate said.
