Kly Orillaneda was only supposed to be a beach volleyball player for National University. But a series of situations beyond her control led to her inclusion in the Lady Bulldogs’ UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball lineup as one of eight rookies.
The product of University of San Jose-Recoletos is supposedly a service specialist, but an unfortunate injury to NU’s only setter Joyme Cagande forced her to take on the playmaking role.
Orillaneda played setter in the final set of NU’s loss to the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws last Saturday.
She was selected mostly because of her experience on the sandcourt, where players are required to develop solid ball control. Orillaneda helped NU pick up bronze during this season’s Beach Volleyball tourney.
Still, Orillenda went with underhand sets most of the time, even looking lost in most rallies.
“Sobrang na-pressure po talaga ako. Hindi po talaga ako setter – hindi ko pa memorize kung saan ‘yung puwesto ng setter,” said the 18-year old lefty.
“Nagtanong na lang po ako, tinaturuan nila (teammates) ako kung saan na-pwesto si Joyme o kung anong gusto nilang taas ng bola.”
Orilleneda will likely play setter in more matches as Cagande recovers. With 13 matches left in the season, Orillaneda is hoping for the best.
“Gusto ko po makuha ‘yung sa kamay ng setter na makapagbigay-bigay. May trust naman po ako sa teammates kasi napapatay pa rin nila ‘yung bola kahit ganoon lang ‘yung pagbigay ko.”
