Unlike in most sports, volleyball rarely emphasizes the players on the bench. Teams usually have a solid seven-woman rotation with a defensive specialist or two in reserve for situational purposes.
Having a reliable service specialist is a luxury for most teams, but the Ateneo de Manila University’s Kim Gequillana has been a shining example of how one can turn the tides of a match.
Bar none, the native of Bacolod is the best service specialist in the UAAP. Her float serve, which she whips with a sudden snap of the wrist to anywhere on the court, has provided the Lady Eagles chance balls and aces that have swung momentum late in matches.
She has gotten so good at her role that she has earned the nickname “The Closer” for her late-set exploits.
From knocking off plastic chairs in practice to annihilating the best receivers in the game, Gequillana’s serving has been Ateneo’s ace up the sleeve for sticky situations.
Yesterday, The Closer had a chance to start a few sets with Ateneo facing a struggling and depleted Adamson University squad. She managed 11 points, scoring on seven attacks. But even with that stat line, she still shone most on the service line.
To start the third set, Gequillana approached the service area with Ateneo up 1-0. After one her serves spiraled out to end her stint, the Lady Eagles were ahead 16-0.
“Sabi nga nila ako lang ang pinawisan doon eh sa third set,” the 20-year-old said with a laugh.
“Medyo [napagod] sa service, parang doon ko ipinapakita ang responsibility ko and ‘yung opportunity ko doon ko talaga mina-maximize.”
The Lady Eagles are currently on top of the standings with a 10-2 record. Making another push towards the Finals, the lady spikers from Loyola Heights know that they’re going to need everyone to pitch in.
“Pare-pareho lang ang ensayo ng players mula starters hanggang bench kaya maganda ‘yung naipapakita ng mga reserves ‘yung kakayahan nila,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses.
“On our team, everyone wants to pitch in however they can” added Gequillana.
“Whatever the coaches ask of us, I’m sure everyone will do their best and do a good job of it.”
