By: Czarina Agaton
National University Nazareth School opposite hitter Harlyn Serneche is determined to bring the championship back to the Bulldog’s lair, driven by trust and teamwork at the UAAP High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament.
Currently sitting in the number one spot, the Lady Bullpups team captain is focused on reclaiming the coveted title.
The Lady Bullpups triumphed in a thrilling five-set match against the Junior Golden Tigresses, winning 25-21, 25-10, 18-25, 16-25, 15-7. This victory secured them a twice-to-beat advantage and bolstered their impressive 12-1 record.
Standing at 5-foot-9, the Bataeño spiker was a key contributor to their success, scoring 17 points, all from attacks.
Den Daylisan also stepped up with 20 points, including 16 in attacks and three aces.
“Sa akin po, unang-unang reason ko po talaga is mabalik po yung corona sa amin po. Siyempre po, pati po yung pinangako ko rin po sa mga seniors namin dati na since ako po yung maiiwan, ako po yung captain ball ngayon. So mas gagalingan po namin na team na para makuha po yung championship na yun,” the 17-year-old opposite spiker shared.
As they prepare for the next stage, Serneche emphasizes the importance of discipline, self-confidence, and trust.
As the team in the top spot, they are determined to stay focused and prove they truly deserve it.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siyempre po para sa amin, sisimulan po namin sa training kung paano kami makakapag-execute, yung tiwala sa sarili, tiwala sa teammates, and yung pagiging disipinado namin sa mga bawat galaw namin. Kasi sa ngayon, yung ranking namin, number one kami. So kailangan yung puso namin nandoon na number one kami. Kasi dapat deserving kami dito. Papakita namin lahat ng best namin kasi rank one kami na hindi lang basta-basta naging rank one kami ng elimination,” she explained.
Reflecting on a key moment, Serneche recalls how their coach Jai Quitco instilled a sense of belief in the team that served as a powerful motivator.
The immense trust their coach placed in them not only boosted their morale but also reminded them of their potential.
“Ang pinakatumatak po sa akin yung kay Coach Jai (Quitco) na sabi niya po na pupusta po siya ng one million, mananalo po kami. So parang tumatak po sa akin yun na ganun po baka laki yung tiwala ng coaches namin. Ganun po kalaki yung tiwala na kayang-kaya po namin gawin lahat. Huwag lang po kami magpapadala sa emotion namin,” she recalled.
Now, as they head into the finals against tough competitors, Serneche is ready to lead her team to play with everything they’ve got and unite in their pursuit of the championship.
“Nandito lang po ako para gabayan sila, and bilang captain, goal po kasi gusto ko po maging maayos yung team para makuha din po namin yung championship na ito,” she said.
