Alleiah Malaluan felt elated after finally making her debut for De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament on Thursday night.
“Siyempre po sobrang saya kasi finally nakalaro na rin sa seniors’ division,” said the former La Salle-Zobel standout.
The 19-year-old Malaluan wasted no time introducing herself. She racked a triple-double of 15 points, 15 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions in La Salle’s opening day victory over rival Ateneo, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The 5-foot-10 rookie outside hitter also nailed the crucial hits for the Lady Spikers, firing the last two points to secure the win over the Blue Eagles.
Though nervous to be in front of a packed crowd for the first time, Malaluan shared that she needed to battle it out for the Lady Spikers.
“Nakaka-overwhelm in a way na siyempre ang daming crowd, first time ko na ganito karami yung crowd unlike other leagues na nasalihan ko so ayun,” she said.
Assistant coach Benson Bocboc, who filled in for head coach Ramil De Jesus in the post-game presser, had nothing but good words for the up-and-coming spiker.
“Kasi during training naman lagi rin naman nating hinahanda si Alleiah. Whatever happens talaga, buo rin yung tiwala ng mga coaches na mag de-deliver sila,” said Bocboc.
“Kahit na senior ka o rookie ka, once na nandiyan ka ibibigay ng coaches yung tiwala sa’yo.”
According to Malaluan, the hardships that the team went through all throughout its buildup proved to be one of the key factors in its impressive debut. Moreover, the team just wanted to make their respective families proud.
“Siguro inisip na lang namin yung pinaghirapan namin sa training and yung motivation namin is yung families namin,” said Malaluan as the Lady Spikers have been training inside a bubble since January.
“Minsan lang namin sila makita so dapat ipakita namin sa kanila kung ano yung pinaghirapan namin.”
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