The La Salle Lady Spikers at the PSA Forum. Photo by Jasmine Payo/INQUIRER
Fresh from winning the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball title, the graduating players of La Salle expressed their willingness to wage war anew, this time for flag and country.
With their collegiate careers done, the Lady Spikers answered in the affirmative when asked whether they will be willing to lend their services to the national team.
“Who wouldn’t say no if given the opportunity?” said Mika Reyes during the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday. “I’m willing to join the tryouts. There’s nothing to lose.”
Reyes, alongside graduating teammates Ara Galang, Cyd Demecillo, Mika Esperanza and Carol Cerveza, faced the media after trumping Ateneo in a grueling best-of-3 series to reclaim the UAAP volleyball crown last Saturday.
Galang is also open to the possibility of donning the national colors if the opportunity arises.
Demecillo echoed her teammates sentiments: “Why not?”
Just the idea of them being added to the pool is sure to bolster a resurgent volleyball program, more so with the Philippines serving as hosts for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
League’s best setter Kim Fajardo, who is still deciding whether to return next season or devote her time to her studies, said that the idea of being part of the national team is tantalizing enough for her to make time in her busy schedule.
“If I’m considered, why not?,” she said. “It’s a rare opportunity to play for flag and country. If asked, I will grab the opportunity.”
Also joining them in the weekly session are Dawn Macandili, May Luna, Carmel Saga, Ernestine Tiamzon, Norielle Ipac and Christine Joy Soyud.
But for now, La Salle is just savoring the moment.
Edwin Reyes, the school’s executive director for alumni affairs, said the team is set to receive a bonus for their triumph, but clarified that it wouldn’t come directly from La Salle.
“If there’s anything, it will come from the supporters or management, but not from the school. We don’t have a fund for incentives,” he said. “But I’m sure there will be some form of incentive.”