By: Christian David Ruiz
Jai Adrao and Kim Rubin are embracing being the role of skippers as they lead the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Volleyball Tournament.
With former captain Marga Altea having moved to the collegiate ranks, Adrao has stepped up as the new team captain.
Meanwhile, Rubin – the Alas Girls under-18 captain – supports her in this crucial role.
Amid the pressure of being the new Junior Tigresses team captain, Adrao strives not to burden herself too much with the new responsibility, especially with another leader on the team in Rubin supporting her.
“Sa’kin naman is ma-lead ko lang yung team ko, magtulungan kami, kasi andyan naman yung mga co-seniors ko sila Kim, sila ate Lianne, and ate Av, na tumutulong sa’kin para ma-guide lalo yung mga bata and lalo yung mga bago,” said 16-year-old Adrao.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, 2024 PNVF Champions League U18 MVP Rubin also acknowledged her supporting role and emphasized the importance of her collaboration with Adrao in managing the team.
“I’m helping Jai din also sa pag-lead ng team, kaya medyo may pressure. Pero its okay naman po kasi ayun po, tulungan po kaming dalawa tsaka may mga senior din kami,” the 17-year-old outside hitter said.
“Kaya di po siya mahirap sa part namin kasi yung mga rookies nakikinig din po, kaya yung composition po namin nandun din saka teamwork.”
Rubin also reflected on her stint with the national team, expressing her desire to bring her learnings from that experience to the Junior Golden Tigresses.
“Yung experience po… Siyempre nung nag-U18 kami, siyempre maganda po siya kasi ma-she-share ko po yung naging experience namin sa mga teammates ko. Tsaka yung ano din po yung pag-handle ng pressure tsaka yung composition ko po habang naglalaro sa loob,” Rubin mentioned.
The Junior Golden Tigresses must now brace themselves as they take on the reigning UAAP Girls’ Volleyball champion, Adamson University, on Sept. 18, at 3:00 PM, at the Paco Arena.
