After her departure from the De La Salle Lady Spikers, Gyra Barroga had a stellar debut for Cocolife in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational.
Barroga fired a game-high 17 points to spearhead the Asset Managers’ 22-25, 25-13, 25-22, 25-18 victory over Cherrylume Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“I feel really happy because they were very welcoming and kind. I’m very thankful for the coaches, the management and my teammates because they pushed me in a way that I can boost my confidence,” said Barroga.
The 19-year-old immediately made her presence felt in the first set with five quick points off the bench.
“My goal was to just play my best and not pressure myself and try to make my family proud as much as possible and also my Lady Spikers family,” she said.
After spending two years with the Lady Spikers, the 5-foot-8 opposite hitter left the team due to her family’s decision. However, she would still continue her academics in La Salle.
“I left the team without any bad blood. They understand that it was a family decision and they were very supportive and proud,” she said.
“It was the hardest decision I had to make because that was my second family, I was close to them. But La Salle helped me grow and they helped me improve on my skills.They will always be family,” she added.