Kath Arado sees bright future in ‘unique’ rookie libero Jennifer Nierva
NU libero Jennifer Nierva. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kath Arado is considered as one of the best, if not the best, defenders in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament.
Not only does University of the East’s libero have the reputation of being an impenetrable force, Arado also has the hardware to prove it after being named the Rookie of the Year in Season 77 and winning the Best Digger award twice and the Best Receiver plum once.
Arado, however, is also someone who is ready to praise defensive prowess when she sees it and National University rookie Jennifer Nierva has definitely caught her attention.
READ: UE star Kath Arado confident change has come for UE Lady Warriors
Nierva and Arado faced each other for the second time this season with the Lady Warriors taking the four-set win, 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-16, Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Center.
“That kid is amazing, that’s all I can say about her,” said Arado in Filipino. “She’s that great. She’s in her first year here and she’s already this good because she can lift her team up. I can already see her future and she’s really incredible.”
Kath Arado. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
“She’s restless in chasing the ball, so she really did a good job earlier.”
Nierva, based on numbers alone, had a better outing than Arado, posting 30 excellent digs and 28 successful receptions.
Arado, on the other side of the floor, finished with 32 excellent sets and 13 successful receptions.
READ: After breakthrough wins, Nierva confident Lady Bulldogs can play better in 2nd round
The two teams, however, are just level based on win-loss records at 2-6, tied for the sixth spot in the standings.
Arado added that Nierva is incomparable to the other liberos she’s faced and that the rookie Lady Bulldog has a style of her own.
“She has this unique movement in her,” said Arado. “She has a unique style that’s her own and she’s not imitating anybody because that’s her own technique. No one should be ever compared to her.”
“She has her own style and it amazes me when I watch her. That’s hers and she worked hard for that.”
