Despite falling short of the championship, De La Salle University Leiah Malaluan was satisfied with her first year repping the green and white in the collegiate ranks.
The Lady Spikers were swept by National University in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball best-of-three Finals.
However, Malaluan was a super rookie throughout the tournament, leading La Salle to wins.
“Sobrang saya kasi syempre first year, dati ko pang dream na maglaro sa UAAP women’s division,” said Malaluan on The Game, Thursday.
“I’m really happy na naglaro kami sa championship.”
The 5-foot-10 outside spiker placed fifth in scoring after the eliminations with 193 points on 171 attacks, 15 service aces, and seven blocks.
She also ranked sixth in serving with an average of 0.30 per set and just 14 errors; while being ninth in spiking with a 30.32 percent success rate in 564 attempts.
And more importantly, Malaluan did it all for her dream school, which she’s repping since elementary.
The true green Lasallian went to De La Salle Lipa in grade school and junior high school, then De La Salle Zobel in senior high school, before stepping foot in De La Salle University for college.
“Siyempre La Salle is my dream school! Go, La Salle! I’m loyal!” said Malaluan.
“It was an honor to play for La Salle and this season, masasabi ko talagang isa siyang learning experience.”
Jolina Dela Cruz, one of the leaders of this year’s Lady Spikers was proud to see Malaluan and other rookies to shine and mature during the season.
And in Season 85, they will be eyeing redemption together.
“Dito ko nakilala ‘yung mga teammates ko. May mga times na natatalo kami, dito ko nakita sa mga bata na gusto nilang maglaro, gusto nilang lumaban,” said Dela Cruz.
“I-aassure ka nila na, ‘Ate, babawi tayo.'”
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