From Mhicaela Belen, Alleiah Malaluan, and more, the start of UAAP Season 84’s volleyball games have given us a new batch of rising volleyball stars to watch out for.
Related: Meet The 18 Student Correspondents Of UAAP Season 84
The anticipated start to the UAAP Season 84 has not disappointed to say the least. The long-awaited return to one of the country’s biggest sporting event has given us many moments to enjoy. The fans cheering, the nail biting tension, the athletes to root for, it’s all there. So far, most of the attention has been focused on the Men’s Basketball tournament. But just recently, it was time for the ladies to shine as May 5 at the Mall Of Asia Arena saw the beginning of the UAAP volleyball games.
Heading into the season, quite a few fans and commentators were looking forward to how the games would play out as many of the teams saw rookies play for the first time. And after just day one of the games, it’s clear that we have ourselves a new batch of volleyball stars that we have our eyes on for the rest of the season.
NU VS ADAMSON
The NU Lady Bulldogs came swinging for the fences during their match against Adamson University with a commanding score of 25-15, 25-23, 25-18. And NU’s rookie players Alyssa Solomon and Mhicaela Belen more than lived up to the hype. Solomon scored 15 points on 11 kills, three blocks, and an ace. Belen, meanwhile, was named player of the game with 13 of her 14 points on attacks. The rookie laden National University showed that their new batch of players are ones to watch out for.
DE LA SALLE VS ATENEO
The match between La Salle and Ateneo was anticipated for many reasons. For starters, it was a continuation of the two school’s long-standing rivalry. Both teams also saw the debut of new players such as Alleiah Malaluan and Baby Jyne Soreno for La Salle and Pia Ildefonso for Ateneo. In the end, it was team green that won the game, extending their winning streak over Ateneo since Season 79. While Ateneo won the first set at 25-22, La Salle rebounded, changing a 18-21 deficit in the second round to a 25-23 win. They finished things for a final 25-18, 25-20 score.
Rookies Soreno and Malaluan proved to be aces on the court. Soreno scored 17 points built on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Malaluan, meanwhile, scored 15 points, 15 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions. It wasn’t all bad though for the Blue Eagles as Faith Nisperos bagged a remarkable 24 points, though it wasn’t enough to overcome the Lady Spikers.
UP VS UE
When it came to the UP and UE volleyball match, the star for many was rookie UP player Alyssa Bertolano. With a final score of 25-19, 25-23, 25-23, UP swept and won the game while Alyssa proved that her pre-season hype was justified. The Negros Occidental native score an impressive and game high 20 points, 18 of which came off attacks. She also got an ace, a block, and six excellent digs for UP.
UST VS FEU
As the first match of the UAAP Season 84 volleyball season, the UST and FEU match saw the former sweep the latter to a 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 win. Despite losing Imee Hernandez to a left ankle sprain midway through the first set and committing 23 errors, UST still managed a triumphant season debut thanks to players like Eya Laure and Camille Victoria. Laure delivered a game high 14 points off 13 attacks, including nine excellent digs, while Victoria was not far behind with an impressive 12 points for her UAAP career start.
Continue Reading: The Magic and Action of Sports are Back as the UAAP Returns via Smart’s GIGAPlay App
