DLSU Wins UAAP Women's Volleyball!

The DLSU Lady Spikers defeated the defending champion FEU Lady Tamaraws in 4 sets (25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21) in Game 3 of the UAAP Women's Volleyball Season 71 Finals. This is the 5th volleyball championship crown for DLSU, their last being a 3-peat in Seasons 66-68 all under Coach Ramil De Jesus. They did not play in UAAP 69 because the school was suspended from the UAAP that time. In UAAP 70, they did not even make it to the Final Four because of some disqualification issues. The present crown seems to vindicate the dominance of DLSU's volleyball program in recent years.

From the beginning of the season the DLSU Lady Spikers were favorites to win the crown because they are really a powerhouse team. Individual players shined at times but this championship run was definitely a team effort, everybody contributing in any way they can! The talent and skill of each player complemented the others and it was how they were able to climb all the way to the top of the standings. Their team spirit was really there right from the start... from their matching haircuts at the onset to their white and green hair highlights in the finals series... from their gruelling trainings pre-season and to all the hard work and sacrifices they made... it all surely paid off in the end!


Open spiker Manilla Santos was a part of that 3-peat feat. After that she suffered a shoulder injury and endured surgery and rehab, but that did not stop her from playing (as a libero) for her team and showing her love for the game. In a team with a lot of pretty tall players, relatively short but high-flying Illa showed that she definitely has a big heart! In her final UAAP playing year and as the team captain this season, this victory becomes pretty sweet and memorable for her. She was also awarded the season's Best Receiver, and then finally the MVP trophy.

You can see Illa constantly reminding her teammates during games and in huddles not to lose focus, and after every point either won or lost she was a calming presence. She stepped up whenever her team was down and she was all over the court chasing balls and trying to save the point when the need arises. She used not only her skill but her experience to get points and she made sure to support and back-up her teammates. Under her leadership the squad swept the rest of the elims and won in the semis. In the gruelling finals, her strength of mind and heart prevailed and they were able to win the championship. Manilla Santos is truly the most valuable player of her very talented team... and for bringing back the championship trophy to Taft, the Most Valuable Player of the season!

Kudos also to DLSU standouts Best Blocker Jacq Alarca and Rookie of the Year Liss Gohing, as well as the rest of the squad, coaching staff and management... Mitch Datuin (who is Illa's batchmate), setter Kaye Martinez, Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado, Celine Hernandez, Camille Cerveza, Reg Diego. Emeli Zuno, Denise Lim, Monika Sta. Maria, Isabella Lepping. They were a joy to watch this season competing and striving for volleyball redemption. I am looking forward to their spirited defense of the title next season, but for now it's just time for them to relax, celebrate and really enjoy their hard-won championship crown!

(last pic c/o Bro. Ceci)