Lyka De Leon was barely utilized in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament as De La Salle University mostly turned to Justine Jazareno for the defensive specialist position.
And it was supposed to stay that way for at least two more seasons for the Lady Spikers.
However, Jazareno forwent her remaining playing years at the collegiate level when she signed with the Premier Volleyball League professional team Akari on September 21, 2023.
With that surprising move, De Leon suddenly became La Salle’s first libero. And she admitted that it was not easy at first.
“With the sudden departure ni Ate (Justine Jazareno), parang out of the blue, forced ako mag-step up so at first parang nahirapan po talaga ako,” said De Leon on Wednesday after the Lady Spikers beat Far Eastern University in straight sets.
“Ginabayan naman po ako ng coaches, sinuportahan po ako ng teammates ko na kaya ko naman daw po. Unti-unti, I’ll get there po,” she continued.
If it’s any indication that she’s getting there, the 20-year-old sophomore got the Player of the Game honors in just their second game this Season 86.
De Leon was efficient in the 25-20, 25-17, 25-22 win over the Lady Tamaraws, posting 16 digs on 29 attempts and 12 receptions on 21 attempts.
In La Salle’s opening match against Adamson University, she had 12 digs and eight excellent receptions.
But De Leon also knows that she is still far from her best.
“Good thing po na nabi-build ko na yung confidence and character ko pero overall hindi pa po ako super satisfied with how I performed today po, ang dami pa pong lapses,” shared the La Salle-Zobel product.
