Angge Reyes opened her final collegiate year with University of the East on a winning note, as the Lady Warriors’ promising rookies also shone in their V-League Collegiate Challenge debut on Saturday.
Making her debut as a Lady Warriors super senior, Reyes collected 18 digs and 13 receptions as UE defeated College of Saint Benilde, 25-21, 25-16, 22-25, 14-25, 15-8, in a triumphant return to the league at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Newcomers Janessa Buhay, Cheska Peñol, and Seanne Ordonio also led the way for the Lady Warriors.
Buhay, a product of Adamson High School, posted a match-high 23 points to go with 11 digs and nine receptions. Meanwhile, Ordonio — who also suited up for the Baby Falcons — chipped in four blocks for a nine-point effort.
Peñol, who came from the highly successful National University Nazareth School program, provided stability in orchestrating UE’s plays.
(C) V-League
“Matibay talaga ang mga bata. Siguro nakuha nila iyon sa pinanggalingan nila. So nadadala din po naman kami,” Reyes said.
“Nandoon naman po kami para mag-guide sa kanila lagi. Nakita naman namin na nag-perform naman sila and parang hindi rookie ang galawan nila.”
It was only the Lady Warriors’ first preseason game, but Reyes already sees the potential of their recruits to help turn things around for the program.
“Tuloy lang. Continue lang mag-help sa amin and huwag lang biglang susuko lagi. Kasi minsan kinakapos kami sa dulo. And nire-remind namin sila kung bakit sila nandito, kung bakit sila naglalaro kasama kami para tulungan ang team para sa sarili nila,” Reyes said.
Reyes, who was part of the Lady Warriors teams that secured back-to-back bronze medals in 2023 and 2024, is now relishing every moment of her final collegiate season.
A homegrown UE talent, Reyes is making every opportunity count, starting with the V-League campaign as she braces for her UAAP swan song.
“Ngayong first game ko sa V-League, parang nafi-feel ko na parang papalapit nang matapos ang college career ko. And after ng V-League, matatapos na ang ber-months ganoon. So papalapit na nang papalapit ang UAAP,” Reyes said.
“Hanggang sa dumating ang UAAP, kailangan kong mag-enjoy. Kailangan kong mag-perform as a player and kailangan ko ring sulitin ang mga natitirang games bago ako mag-graduate.” – TJ
