Palma savors semis rivalry with Reyes, wishes her finals luck

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

A semifinals matchup between Far Eastern University and De La Salle University is not something that evokes hostility or memorable moments.

It’s not as storied as Ateneo-La Salle or FEU-University of Santo Tomas but the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament saw a little bit of rivalry develop between the two green-shaded schools.

Middle blockers Mika Reyes and Remy Palma were the centers of attention in their Final Four encounter as the two engaged in a head-to-head that spiced up the duel.

Reyes is the embodiment of the La Sallian swag while Palma exuded that FEU pride.

Palma said she and Reyes are not the closest of friends but it’s always good to defend her school’s pride. 

“Even though we’re not close, I really wanted to fight for the school’s pride that we have the most titles,” Palma said Wednesday in the Lady Tamaraws’ final game of the season after losing to the Lady Spikers in three sets. “I wanted to show our pride. We did not get the crown but I know people will remember that pride when they mention my name.”

FEU has 29 titles, the last one in 2003, while La Salle has eight.

Palma was the target of La Salle’s anger every time she went up the service line or when she scored a point and terrorized the Lady Spikers with her taunts and antics.

She, however, won’t have any of that. 

“I accept that they’re annoyed at me. I take that as a challenge for me to grow as a person, not only as a player. ,” said the Psychology major. “I study Psychology and I just use what I learn in school.” 

Palma may have her battles with Reyes but the feisty Lady Tamaraw admitted she would miss her La Sallian counterpart in Season 79. She also wished her luck for their Finals series against defending champion Ateneo.

“I will need to get used to not seeing her (Reyes) at first when we go up against La Salle again,” Palma said. “I hugged her and told her ‘Good luck in the finals.’ I know they’ll be able to handle Ateneo especially with her team having a lot of graduating players.”

“I’m happy that it didn’t become personal between the two of us. It was more like we enjoyed our matchup.”