Leiah Malaluan played a vital role for the first time in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament during De La Salle University’s final elimination round game. The 5-foot-10 wing spiker started the second set and returned in the third against University of the East on Saturday, scoring six points with four points, a block, and an ace.
Malaluan has been recovering from a minor knee injury since the beginning of the season. She first entered the court on March 11 against Far Eastern University but only played for a limited time. Malaluan is delighted to be playing again and hopes to work her way back up as the Final Four approaches.
“Na-up yung confidence ko since sa ibang games wala talaga so I’m really trying to get my confidence back,” said the soft-spoken Malaluan.
“This win sobrang saya kasi finally nakalaro ulit pero at the same time we need to work on things pa. Hindi pa naman perfect yung game namin so we need to practice more and work hard for it lalo na padating na yung semis,” she said, pertaining to the Lady Spikers’ 25-17, 25-20, 25-17 win.
With Malaluan’s inclusion, La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo said to expect her to play more during the post-season. She would be a significant addition to an already dominant league-leading Lady Spikers. Last season, Malaluan ranked fifth in scoring with 193 points, sixth in service, ninth in spiking, and eighth in reception.
“Since sinimulan na namin siyang gamitin ngayon, hopefully mag tuloy tuloy pa yung improvement, yung development para sa kanya. More or less, nandoon na yan,” said Orcullo on Malaluan’s availability.
However, instead of playing her usual position of outside spiker, Malaluan replaced opposite hitter Shevana Laput both times she entered the court. With Malaluan, Laput, and Jyne Soreño playing opposite, La Salle is thrilled to have such a formidable arsenal.
“It’s a welcome addition naman kasi si Leiah naman can play opposite and outside so malaking bagay na nadagdagan pa yung arsenal namin sa opposite although pwede rin namin siyang gamitin sa outside,” said Orcullo.
“Tinitignan lang naman namin kung saan magiging effective talaga.”
