Coaches’ Bucket-List: UAAP Junior Volleybelles to Scout For

If you were a Head Coach slash scout of a collegiate volleyball team, you should watch out these players who were born to be a Volleyball superstar someday.

Here are my list of UAAP Highschool Volleyball players to watch for.

 

1. FAITH NISPEROS ( NSNU)

Her skills, talent and passion for volleyball speaks for her. She is Faith Janine Shirley Mallonga – Nisperos. The Middle Hitter and Outside Spiker of the 2-time UAAP Girls Volleyball Champs, Nazareth School of National University. Many are impressed on how she performs every game.

In terms of popularity and chances of being scouted by different school, I think she’s one of the choice of several Collegiate Volleyball Team Mentors. Just like what I’ve mention above, Her skills, talent, passion and her achievements received speaks for her.

AWARDS RECEIVED:

UAAP Season 78
Best Attacker and Finals Most Valuable Player (Juniors)SGVL 13 NCR Leg Most Valuable Player
SGVL 13 NCR Leg Best Outside Attacker
SGVL 13 National Finals Best Outside Attacker
SGVL 13 International Championship Most Valuable Player
SY 2014-2015 (Nazareth School of National University – Grade 8)
UAAP Season 77 Most Valuable Player (Juniors)

SGVL 12 NCR Leg Best Middle Blocker
SGVL 12 NCR Leg Most Valuable Player

SGVL 12 League of Champions Best Open Hitter

NCR Palaro 2015 Best Blocker

Palarong Pambansa 2015 Most Valuable Player

SY 2013-2014 (Nazareth School of National University – Grade 7)
UAAP Season 76 Rookie of the Year (Juniors)

SY 2012-2013 (Ateneo de Davao University – Grade 6)
Most Valuable Player
Best Attacker
Best Blocker
Best Server

SY 2011-2012 (Ateneo de Davao University – Grade 5)
Best Spiker

 

2. EYA LAURE (UST)

Among the UAAP Jr Volleybelles, I think she is the most hyped in the Juniors division.

Ejiya Laure, also known as “Eya Laure” and a sister of Ennajie Laure, a former Junior Tigresses. She is the middle-child of PBA Superstar, Eddie Laure. Played as a Setter and later on played as a Spiker for the Espana-based squad. With that, she’s proven to be one of the most talented UAAP Junior Volleybelle.

As one of the Most Talented Junior Spiker in the UAAP, she already received several awards which are the proof of why she is considered as a young yet talented spiker in UAAP.

AWARDS RECEIVED:

SGVL- Back2Back MVP (+Champs)
UAAP78- Season’s MVP (Jrs)
UAAP77- Best Attacker (Jrs)
UAAP76- Best Setter (+Champion) (Jrs)
UAAP75- Rookie of the year (Jrs)

3. THEA GAGATE

I included her in the list not only because of height but because I saw a potential for this young Lady to be the next Jaja Santiago of the Philippines.

She is Thea Allison Gagate, just like Eya Laure, she also came from an sport-oriented family. Her brothers are also varsity players from other schools. Her eldest brother is a stunner for UE Red Warriors.

If I’m not mistaken, her height average around 6’3 -6’4, too tall for a Highschool Student like her. How much more she will grow if she enters College?

4. MAJI MANGULABNAN

Her stint as a guest player for the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses in the concluded Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference made me convince to include her in this list. In spite of being the youngest core together with Eya Laure during the SVL Collegiate Conference, their performance spoken for her that she has a potential to develop the skills that Kim Fajardo and Jasmine Nabor has. I watched a game of the Junior Tigresses, Maji can also spike just like what Jasmine Nabor of National University can do.

By the way, she is Ma. Regina Agatha Mangulabnan, Just like Thea Gagate and Eya Laure, she also came from a sport-oriented family. She is the younger sister of Vince Mangulabanan, former setter of NU Bulldogs and Hannah Mangulabnan former stunner of UP Lady Fighting Maroons.

AWARDS RECEIVED:

SGVL League of Champion Best Setter

5.1  JUSTINE JAZARENO

I was impressed by this young kiddo from De La Salle Zobel  especially when I watched their game against the resurging UE Junior Lady Warriors. In that game she scored a lot from her drop balls and attacks. She has the power yet she is intelligent in terms of attacking the defense of the opponent. I included her in this list not because of her power but her intelligence intelligence inside the court. I saw a bit of Alyssa Valdez in her.

5.2  BERNADETT PEPITO

She was my favorite libero in UAAP Juniors Volleyball Tournament. Whenever I watched the games of Junior Tigresses at the Adamson University games, I heard some crowd talking about Bernadett Pepito on how she receives the ball from the opponent side. I remember Dawn Macandili’s style of digging and receiving whenever I watch Bernadett Pepito.

AWARDS RECEIVED:

SGVL League of Champions Best Libero

 

 

Renowned Philippine Volleyball Players coming From UAAP Schools

UAAP Season 79 has started yet we still have to wait for almost 4-6 months before we see the Volleybelles coming from different UAAP member school battle in the court. But for next month, UAAP Beach Volleyball Tournament will be conducted.

Before we see some volleyball actions in the UAAP, let me give you some list of Renowned Philippine Volleyball Players coming from  the member schools of UAAP.

DISCLAIMER: Those players are former, current players and notable players of each UAAP school. 

Let me start with the ADAMSON LADY FALCONS.

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ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY LADY EAGLES

 

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DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY LADY SPIKERS

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FEU LADY TAMARAWS

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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY LADY BULLDOGS

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UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST LADY WARRIORS

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UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES FIGHTING LADY MAROONS

 

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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS GOLDEN TIGRESSES

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Who’s Your next MVP? #UAAPSeason79

Another UAAP Season has started and yet we still have to wait for several months for our most favored UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament. I know some of us are excited to see another season of intense action in UAAP’s volleyball court. We  were excitedly anticipating our favorite teams and players to face and showcase their skills and talent in playing the sport Volleyball.

Just like what I’ve mention above, We still have to wait for several months before the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament. I know some of use were excited to watch UAAP Volleyball actions, let me share to you my predictions and thought on potential Players to be the next and future MVPs of UAAP.

Here are my list of some players with potential to be the MVP of UAAP  Season 79 Women’s Volleyball.

1. CHERRY RONDINA

I think she can be an MVP in terms her previous numbers last season. UAAP Season 78 was a blast for her volleyball career, starting as a stunner of UST in the Beach Volleyball and now making some noise in the Indoor volleyball. Skill wise, Offense Wise, Defense wise she can be an all around player. The only problem that I perceive to her is sometimes she is not maximized by the setter.

And with UST finding their glory days back in UAAP, Cherry Rondina will be one who will step up this season together with Ej Laure and returning senior Pam Lastimosa.

Who would forget this kind of performance of Cherry Rondina, how I wish she can bring that kind of performance in the UAAP.

2.  JAJA SANTIAGO

Height wise and offense wise, some factor that I dreamt of if  I will become a volleyball player. In terms of height, Jaja Santiago can dominate not only in the net but in team’s offense as well. Just like Rondina, Jaja’s number every game caused me to think that she could be the next UAAP MVP.

Additional, Experience wise as well, she already had a lot of experiences in volleyball, she’s a current national team player/ Foton Pilipinas competing in Asian Women’s Club Championship. She also played in the SEA Games. Hoping that the experience and exposure she got from different leagues/competition internationally and locally can develop her and she can bring it to the UAAP.

3. KIM KIANNA DY 

She’s an MVP too. From bench to UAAP Finals MVP is a difficult path to take on. She was not to prove anything, her UAAP FINALS MVP award would explain further about how good she is inside the court. Height wise and Offense wise, Kim Kianna Dy can dominate. She’s very effective in terms of offense and she has good net defense as well.

With her experience and achievements she obtained during her volleyball career in high school can be a proof that she can be the MVP. She was  the UAAP Juniors Season 73 MVP,
UAAP Juniors Season 74 & 75 Best Blocker ,Palarong Pambansa 2013 Best Blocker.

Remember this one, that time she’s playing for Shopinas Lady Clickers which is composed of Lady Spikers former and current stunners.

4. BERNADETTE PONS

For me, she’s the go-to-girl of the FEU Lady Tams aside from Mari Toni Basas. One game of the Lady Tams in the ongoing Shakey’s V-League Collegiate conference, I saw how Pons played as an all around player. Powerful spikes, she can block and excellent digs, that would really describe her as a player. In terms of numbers also, she can be an MVP. She has the skill but she’s underrated that’s why some player having hard time to read her plays.  If she explodes in game, expect your defense to be traumatized with the power of her spikes. For me also, her consistency helped her team a lot in every game of them.

5. DAWN MACANDILI

For me, she’s the current best Pinay Libero here in our country. Making history during their team’s stint on the concluded Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference were her team was hailed Champs after outclassing the Foton Tornadoes. She made history not only in the said league but as well as in the history of Philippine Volleyball to be the very first Libero to bag an MVP award.

From underrated libero to MVP, it was not easy path tho. Coach Ramil really trained her and the system of Coach RDJ really worked on her. Following Melissa Gohing’s as La Salle’s star libero, it was an impressive run for her during UAAP Season 78 bagging the Best Digger and Receiver Award just like what Denden Lazaro of their archrival Ateneo done.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

 

Ateneo’s Resugrence: ” Kulang na Kulang pa”

The journey of the Lady Eagles without Alyssa Valdez started in this year’s SVL Collegiate Conference. We saw in their past games how they struggled with the loss of the veterans Alyssa Valdez, Amy Ahomiro and Denden Lazaro, who already graduated and used their 4-5 years of eligibility of playing in the said league.

After a heart breaking UAAP Season 78 for the Lady Eagles, wherein the  9-time UAAP Women’s Volleyball champs, DLSU Lady Spikers redeemed themselves an dethroned the 2-time champs, ADMU Lady Eagles. And days from now, another UAAP Season will start, it would be a signal for different volleyball teams to prepare for the upcoming volleyball games and matches which will be held most likely next year except for beach volleyball.

 

Credits to Tiebreaker Times

With Valdez’s loss a a leader in the court, Jia Morado would likely to replace her  in leadership and Jhoanna Maraguinot will replace Valdez as Ateneo’s new star. But on the ongoing SVL Collegiate Conference, Maraguinot decided not to play to rest for the healing of the injuries she acquired last UAAP Season 78.

This SVL Collegiate conference is just a start of the resurgence of the Katipunan, who formerly topped the standings in UAAP an now trying to regain their lost glory. But based on the performance of the Lady Eagles, they’re not missing Valdez, they have so many potential spikers like Jules Samonte, Kim Gequillana, Ana Gopico, Mich Morente, Maddie Madayag and Pauline Gaston, for me, they’re just missing Denden Lazaro’s floor defense.

KULANG NA KULANG PA?!

Credits to Volleyball PH

In the pasts games of the Lady Eagles, their floor defense is their common flaws aside from the several unforced errors  they commit every game. After a rally started, i will be easily concluded. So far, they have very slow floor defense. I really saw that flaws during their game against UP Lady Maroons. They might won that game, Offense wise, but their floor defense is very slow that’s why UP bested them in that match. And last wednesday, floor defense is really proven to be the most challenging flaws that the Lady Eagles must resolve if they want a complete resurgence. The Lady Tams swept the Lady Eagles finishing with 14 block kills, very impressive in terms of team statistics but it’s a signal for the Lady Eagles to furnish their floor defense. Gizelle Tan can defend but her defense is not that consistent, she needs help from her other team mates. If I were on of the coaching staff of the Lady Eagles, I will train some players not only to be a potential spikers, but defenders too. Coach Tai should also train his first 6 on their floor defense. If 1 player only can defend, your opponent will just take advantage of you. Volleyball is a team sport, not  a one man sport.

THE RESURGENCE

Credits to the Owner of this Picture

There are several potential players for the Katipunan-based squad. With Valdez loss, the Lady Eagles can lean on the offense of Jho Maraguinot, Mich Morente, Ana Gopico, Kim Gequillana, Jules Samonte, Pauline Gaston, Bea De Leon and Maddie Maddayag. They can be an offensive team yet they need to have flawless floor defense and they must lessen their unforced errors every game if they want to get back the stolen UAAP Women’s Volleyball crown.  In my observation as well,  yes Ateneo can be a powerful team in terms of offense, but so far floor defense and unforced errors were their flaws plus the lack of intensity in the game, they are playing happy in the court but for me they really lack intensity in every game.

If the Katipunan-based squad wants a resugence, they need first to flourish their flaws. In my observation, KULANG NA KULANG PA. I’m  a fan o f the Lady Eagles but I’m looking for their intensity in their game that helped them to win a game. But so far, the Lady eagles were still in the adjustment stage after some veteran players already left Katipunan after graduation and playing years in UAAP.

Team Review: NU Lady Bulldogs

After it’s ejection in last season’s Final Four in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament, the Lady Bulldogs from Sampaloc are now trying to solve their problem with the loss of playmakers in the name of Rica Diolan, Ivy Perez and Azie Soliven. And participating in different leagues and experimenting on some players is one move of the coaching staff of the Bustillos-based squad to regain their lost glory.

With Jasmine Nabor playing as their new play maker, we saw the potential of the Lady Bulldogs to comeback in the next season’s Final Four reign. And with Jaja Santiago being maximized by Nabor, NU has a chance of entering the Finals this UAAP Season 79.

In the ongoing Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference, we saw how NU thirsts for glory. In terms of team statistics, the Lady Bulldogs were no. 1 in Attacks, Setting ,  and Blocking. While in the Individual statistics, Lady Bulldogs Santiago and Nabor were ranked no. 1 in Blocking and Setting department.

THE CONVERSION OF NABOR

For me, this is a great move from the coaching staff of the Lady Bulldogs. Nabor is also a great spiker and showned a great potential as NU’s starting setter. When Nabor started to play as NU’s main setter, we saw a different NU squad. They really improved in terms of Attacking, their attacks became unpredictable when Nabor started to play as a setter. If Kim Fajardo of DLSU will still play for DLSU next season,  it would be a tight battle for the Best Setter award between Nabor and Fajardo.

In the ongoing SVL Collegiate Conference, Nabor is averaging 13.56 excellent sets per set.

UNSTOPPABLE JAJA

With Nabor maximizing Santiago, Jaja can really be a big threat not only in defense but in offense as well. Aside from being a middle hitter, Jaja can also be an open spiker where she can spike more lethal. When she’s playing as middle hitter, she can use her height to find the open spots in the defense of their opponent and sometimes she’s more unpredictable  when she play as middle because of the combination plays set by Nabor.

 

 

 

My First 6 If I were to be a Coach

Aside from dreaming to be a volleyball player someday,  I also want to be a coach someday. For me to share my God-given talent in the form of Volleyball. If I would be given a chance to coach a team composed of different players coming off the different teams in UAAP, I will choose the following players;

1. ABY MARANO

First and foremost, I will choose the leader of the squad. Out of many players out there, I would be glad if Aby Marano will be the team captain of my dream team. Aside from her swag, I loved her leadership inside the court. When her team is down, she motivates her team mates to continue fighting inspite of being down in terms of set and score.  And as a Coach, I chose her because of the brand of her leadership is. Additionally, Marano was also known for her leadership.

2.  KIM FAJARDO  

Aside from the leader, there must be also a playmaker in the team. The playmaker who’ll be the director behind the plays that my dream team would established.  I know you’ll say that I’m a La Salle Fan because 2 players coming from DLSU is in my list of my dream team. I would be happy and overwhelmed if Kim Fajardo will be the playmaker of my dream team. I chose her to be the setter because she can set well even if the first ball is not too good and she’s an all around player too, she can spike, she can block and  she can serve well. She’s a scorer too, remember she’s the best scoring setter in UAAP.

3. ALYSSA VALDEZ

I didn’t chose this player because she’s famous and well-known. I chose her because of her abilities in skills. It would be a privilege if Valdez would be part of my dream team. In my team, I need a powerful yet intelligent in offense that’s why I chose Valdez. She has the capability to read the floor defense of her opponent that’s why she’s also known for her drop balls. Opponents might misinterpret the approach of Valdez when she attacks, they will thought that it will be a power attack but it will be a dumb ball/drop shot only.  Remember, Offense is not always about power, you just have to be smart sometimes for you to score.

4. AIZA MAIZO – PONTILLAS

In my team, I also want to have a veteran player. A veteran player that will help and teach her team mates her skills, experiences and talents in  playing volleyball. I chose Aiza Maizo- Pontillas because of her lethal lefty spikes and additional leadership as well. She can be a leader too like Marano. And in my team I don’t want that there would be only 1 leader in the team, I want everyone as much as possible to be a leader inside the court. Her experience will help the team’s morale, skills and approach inside the court. I also chose her because of her height, she can be an intimidating factor for the opponents because she is a veteran.

5. ALYJA DAPHNE SANTIAGO

I need more height and offense, Santiago can be a threat not only in the net defense but in the offense of the team as well. She can be an open spiker and a middle hitter as as well. I chose her because of her powerful kills, sharp serves and the intimidating factor of her height. And with her height, she can easily ready the floor defense of the other side.

6. LIZLEE ANN GATA-PANTONE

She’s my favorite libero aside from Denden Lazaro. But in terms of her skills and experience, I would rather chose Lizlee Pantone. I chose Pantone because she has a good defense. And  I chose her because of her “puto”, the way she digs the ball. No matter how far the ball is, she can still dig the ball. That’s why she is considered as one of the best liberos in our country

 

MY LINEUP FOR MY SECOND UNIT:

• Jovelyn Gonzaga/ Cha Cruz
• Rhea Dimaculangan
• Majoy Baron/Kathy Bersola
• Kim Dy
• Bernadette Pons
• Dawn Macandili/ Kath Arado

 

PS. This is my opinion. You can drop your comments or your own insights and suggestions on the comment box below. Thank you! Good day!

Katipunan Ladies: Post-Valdez Era

Another UAAP Season has finished and another one is yet coming on our way. The 78th season of UAAP is over yet the Season 79 is fast approaching. According to my random sources, September 3 is the inauguration of another UAAP Season.

New season, new era for the Ateneo Lady Eagles. Last season they were dethroned by their rival, De La Salle University ,stopping them for claiming their 3rd straight UAAP Volleyball Crown. Aside from finishing as runners-up last season, the Lady Eagles will face a new challenge, a challenge of fulfilling the era made by Alyssa Valdez in their University. Valdez and her squad earned their first UAAP Volleyball crown wayback in Season 76 were they beat DLSU Lady Spikers thrice in the Finals.

Credits to the Owner

Some netizens already predicted that the Valdez-less Lady Eagles of Katipunan might descend in terms of their rankings in UAAP. Others would doubt the Lady Eagles, “Wala na si Valdez, Nga-nga na ang Ateneo“. But for me, as fan I’m still looking for improvements for the Lady Eagles. Yes, they might loss Alyssa Valdez but there are still options for Coach Tai Bundit to choose from. Remember, Michelle Morente and Ana Gopico will have a comeback this Season 79. Gopico who has her injury wayback in her Rookie year and Morente who skipped Season 78 for Academic purposes. Jho Maraguinot is still there for Ateneo, she proved last season that she can be next Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo, hoping she’ll play better next season. They key for winning for Ateneo isn’t always because of Alyssa Valdez, we should give credit to the senior setter, Jia Morado, former UAAP Best Setter. With Morado remains in the team with seniors Morente, Gopico, Maraguinot and Junior De Leon, we’re still hoping that  the Ateneo Lady Eagles we saw in the past seasons would remain the same even though there is no Alyssa Valdez in the team.

POST-VALDEZ ERA

No Alyssa Valdez, It can be a big problem for Ateneo if those senior players would not step up for the team this season. Yes, Ateneo has a good setter but they need a consistent player that can fill up the role left by Alyssa Valdez. Jhoana Maraguinot, Michelle Morente, Bea De Leon, Ana Gopico,  and Kim Gequillana, one of them should step up or should I say also, that all of them should step up if they want to reclaim the UAAP Women’s Volleyball crown.

Aside from losing an offensive player like Valdez, Ateneo Lady Eagles should also focus on their floor defense. It’s been their problem after the graduation of UAAP Season 76 Best Digger and Receiver, Denden Lazaro. Jamie Lavitoria and Gizelle Tan played as Ateneo’s Setter last season and we saw how they struggle as a libero. For me, Gizelle Tan can be more consistent than Lavitoria. I’m not saying that you can’n be a libero because of your height, it’s just in my point of view Lavitoria could be better if she will be the back up setter for Morado or can be a spiker if trained well because she has the height.

Oh sorry, I forgot Maddie Madayag, who is currently recovering from the ACL Tear Injury she acquired last season. She almost topped the Serving Department but after her Injury, Valdez already overtook her in #1 spot. She is considered as the “Most Improved Player” last season and was known for her unstoppable running attacks. Hoping she’ll get stronger after her recovery and can step up also for Ateneo Lady Eagles next season.

It’s hard to conclude but we can predict. In my point of view, Ateneo’s problem now is Who’s gonna step up for them? 

 

 

7/8 UAAP Schools to Clash in SVL Collegiate

Different informations spread throughout the net about the upcoming Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference which will commence on the last day of July. I saw a post of Jannie Gavile about the Confirmed teams and colleges who will participate in this year’s SVL Collegiate Confrence. I’m not sure if it’s legit but I’m hoping it is legit.

 

A screenshot of Gavile’s Post 

Hoping this is not a hoax, I love seeing UAAP Schools competing against each other and competing against the powerhouse team coming from the different Collegiate-ranked leagues like NCAA and etc. If this info is legit, UE will have a comeback in Shakey’s V-League their last appearance in said league was in SVL Season 3.

Another exciting factor is, 7/8 of UAAP Schools were participating in this season’s Collegiate conference. The UAAP defending champs, DLSU Lady Spikers is busy playing for F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in Philippine Superliga.

Preparations in Advancements

Last UAAP Season was a blast for UE Community as their Women’s Volleyball team notch their 1st win since Season 74. They swept the disrupted AdU Lady Falcons in a thrilling 3-set game. That win will be surely a big confidence booster for them to continue to fight for excellence and the following seasons of the tournament. As of now, Coach Francis Vicente let some his players to gain experience through letting them participating in the Different Volleyball leagues.

The senior player, Shaya Adorador was playing for Vicente-mentored Generika Life Savers together with her was Kathleen Arado who was the back up libero aside from Rica Rivera of UST. Arado was also competing at Thailand for the ongoing Princess Cup Under 19 Volleyball Championship. Aside from Arado, Vicente included Mary Ann Mendrez, Zilfa Olarve, Seth Rodriguez, Isa Camama and Mariella Gabarda. If you can remember, UE Lady Warriors wn bronze medal in the Inter-Collegiate Volleyball Tournament held in Baguio.Hoping this experience and opportunity given by Coach Francis Vicente to his players can be a big confidence booster also for them in the upcoming UAAP Season 79.

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