It’s been two years since Jewel Lai last played volleyball in the collegiate ranks.
Still with the UP Lady Maroons, Lai was one of UAAP Season 78’s best setters and was pivotal in ending their decade-long Final Four drought.
After that season, however, Lai left UP and was caught in limbo for an extended period of time.
She was recruited by former Saint Benilde head coach Michael Cariño back in 2016. However, due to complications with securing necessary documents, Lai was not able to transfer on time.
Sunday, the Hope Christian High School standout finally made her debut for the Lady Blazers, almost steering her squad to an upset over the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the PVL Collegiate Conference.
Armed with her second chance at her living out volleyball dream, Lai was ecstatic.
“May time na nawalan ako ng gana, gusto ko na lang mag-aral, ayaw ko nang maglaro,” Lai shared of her near two-year wait.
“Pero, wala eh. Buhay ko ang volleyball. Pag ilang days akong nawawala sa training, hinahanap ko ng katawan ko agad. Hindi ko talaga mabitawan ‘yung pagiging player.”
More than anything, Lai finds comfort in her current situation with CSB as she sees herself graduating in the Taft-based school and establishing her future.
“Siguro, sobrang saya ko lang talaga na nakakalaro na ako ulet. Sa UP, hindi ba two years lang ako doon? Dito, nakikit ko ‘yung future ko na dito ako makakapagtapos, makakapagsimula ulet, makakabangon. Sobrang saya ko lang talaga.”
