Adamson’s Angelica Alcantara rises from reserve to Best Setter

Adamson’s Angelica Alcantara. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—In last year’s Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Preseason Championship, Adamson’s Angelica Alcantara received the Best Setter plum on behalf of teammate Louie Romero.

On Sunday, Alcantara was back in the awarding ceremony but this time, she claimed the top playmaker hardware with her name on it.

In less than a year, Alcantara went from being a backup to emerging as one of Adamson’s stars, helping the Lady Falcons reach the finals of the SSL National Invitationals where they lost to the La Salle Lady Spikers in the finals decider.

“Hindi ko po talaga inexpect basta ginawa ko lang yung best ko every game,” said Alcantara, who was a COVID-19 reserve player in UAAP Season 84 and a backup in Season 85, after their 19-25, 22-25, 17-25 loss to La Salle at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

(I didn’t expect to win Best Setter. I just gave my best every game.)

Alcantara, who embraced a bigger role after the departure of team captain Romero and five other Lady Falcons on the heels of the removal of former coach Jerry Yee, said she didn’t expect to receive the award.

All she wanted is to take on the challenge as Adamson’s main playmaker.

“Mino-motivate ko lang po yung sarili ko every day para mailabas ko yung potential and skils ko kasi lagi pong sinasabi ni coach na nagtetraining naman tayo so walang dapat ikatakot,” she said. 

(I just motivated myself every day to bring out my potential and skills because coach has been telling me not to be afraid every game because we are working hard in training.)

Shakey’s Super League awardees led by MVP Shevana Laput of La Salle (center). MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Alcantara even emerged as the Lady Falcons’ top contender for the Most Valuable Player award, which was won by La Salle’s breakout star Shevana Laput.

New Adamson coach JP Yude lauded the courage of the young setter to take on the bigger role and display her offensive brilliance in orchestrating the plays for Lucille Almonte, Red Bascon, and other spikers as well as middle blockers.

“What’s good about Ange is she always listens to the instructions given to her and sometimes it’s her own input in dictating the plays of the team. We’re still guiding her so she can learn more and continue to develop her game strategy,” said Yude in Filipino. “Winning this best setter is a good start for her and a confidence booster. It’s a great experience for her ahead of the next Shakey’s conference and UAAP next year.”

Alcantara is grateful to Yude and her teammates for trusting her and pinning their hopes on her playmaking win or lose.

“I’m so thankful to our coach because he really trusts me and he is still keeping me inside the court even I got rattled in some moments,” she said in Filipino. “And I won’t be able to earn this award without the trust of my coaches and teammates.”

After an impressive start as Adamson’s starting playmaker, Alcantara is eager to learn more as they seek to keep the resurgence of the Lady Falcons, who finished with a bronze medal in Season 85, with their rebuilding roster.