With Michelle Cobb deciding to forego her final year, La Salle has entered a new era in its UAAP history.
The Lady Spikers, for the first time in a very long time, will go through their campaign without a player who has won a collegiate championship.
And so far, so good for La Salle as it trumped long-time rival Ateneo in four sets, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20 to open its Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament campaign with a bang at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Thursday night.
For second year Lady Spiker Jolina Dela Cruz, who is already one of the oldest players in the team at 22-years-old, she has already embraced the leadership role for a while now along with fellow second years Mars Alba and Ynna Hatulan.
“Yung pagiging senior matagal na po naming na-embrace kasi new generation yung team namin e so wala dito yung mga ate namin na nakapag-champion,” shared Dela Cruz after the win.
With no veterans to lean on, Dela Cruz said that mental toughness will be a huge factor in La Salle’s campaign.
“Walang nakaranas ng championship sa amin so kami, mga bago, kailangan mas buo yung loob namin ngayon every game,” said Dela Cruz.
The Lady Archers’ youth brigade was on full display against the Blue Eagles with Jyne Soreño leading the way with 17 points. Rookie Alleiah Malaluan put up a triple-double of 15 points, 15 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions while Thea Gagate and Fifi Sharma had 11 and 10, respectively.
La Salle will take on Adamson next on Saturday at 12:00 PM.
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