San Beda secures commitment of setter Patricia Hiponia

Patricia Grace Hiponia along with her mother Grace and San Beda University assistant coach Ray Rosales. –HAND OUT PHOTO

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MANILA, Philippines — San Beda University has secured the commitment of Bacolod Tay Tung High School setter Patricia Hiponia.

The team announced that Hiponia agreed to take her act to play for the Lady Red Spikers in fulfilling her dream of playing in Manila.

Hiponia, a member of the Western Visayas secondary girls’ volleyball team that ruled the 2023 Palarong Pambansa, will be eligible to play in the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament in 2025.

“It was my dream to play and study in Manila, and it was an honor that San Beda has given me that opportunity to fulfill this dream,” said Hiponia, who has multiple Best Setter awards while playing various leagues in Western Visayas.

“San Beda can expect me to provide a positive attitude, hard work, respect, sportsmanship, optimism, and most importantly, commitment and dedication, not just during NCAA matches but every time, on and off the court,” she added.

Hiponia hopes to contribute to her college team and help San Beda win its first-ever volleyball title in the NCAA.

“As a setter, I will do my best to contribute to the team by setting the ball well. I am cooperative and have good communication skills, which are factors in promoting teamwork,” Hiponia said.

“I believe teamwork is essential to the good development of the team along the way, and I also look forward to helping San Beda achieve their championship aspirations someday.”

San Beda assistant coach Ray Rosales, the deputy of new head coach Edgar Barroga, has high hopes for Hiponia, who will join fellow Thunderbolts Sophie Cagalawan, Gwen Banas, and Amber Lily Biong.

“Coming from one of the best high school volleyball programs in the country, we are confident that her playmaking contributions will play a key role in the success of our team,” Lady Red Spikers assistant coach Ray Rosales said.

“San Beda would like to thank (Bacolod Tay Tung team manager) Jose Montalbo for the trust and confidence in the San Beda Volleyball Program. We acknowledge his vision for developing young, talented players to succeed in the sport.”

The Lady Red Spikers only won one of their nine games last season. They haven’t reached the Final Four since 2019, following a breakthrough NCAA Finals appearance in Season 93 five years ago.