De La Salle University Lady Spikers team captain Majoy Baron was named the first-ever SMART Sports/UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week in Women’s Volleyball after leading her team to a close win to start Season 80.
The reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player dominated the net in their five-set triumph over the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, piling up 19 points coming from 12 attacks, five blocks, and two aces.
Baron edged out National University’s Jaja Santiago, University of the Philippines’ Diana Carlos, and Far Eastern University’s Toni Rose Basas, all of whom also led their teams to wins over the weekend.
With their starting opposite hitter Kianna Dy hampered by a hyper-extended left knee, the Lady Spikers needed all of Baron’s steady play and leadership to outlast the fiery Tigresses.
“Marami kaming ginawang adjustments before the game kasi nga si Kianna may iniinda pang injury. So, malaking bagay na very consistent ‘yung nilaro ni Majoy,” said La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus.
“Veteran na ‘yan si Majoy so alam niya na ang reponsibilidad niya sa court. As team captain, lumalabas talaga ‘yung leadership niya lalo na sa mga bata niyang teammates.”
The Tarlac native is already focused on their upcoming matches. Gunning for a rare three-peat, the Lady Spikers know that this season will be more challenging compared to their past championship campaigns.
“For me, marami pang kulang like sa pagje-jell ng team. Hindi pa ito ‘yung maibubuga pa namin. Kailangan pa naming mag-improve as a team,” said the 22-year-old middle blocker.
“Magandang nangyari na ito ‘yung five-setter game na challenge sa amin as a team.”
The De La Salle University look to go 2-0 when they face the University of the Philippines on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
