UAAP: Karyll Miranda shines with potential amid FEU winning run
FILE–FEU Lady Tamaraws’ Karyll Miranda during a UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University has another good setter in the making as rookie Karyll Miranda showed what she’s capable of after getting extended playing time in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament
Miranda, the newest FEU playmaker, got a break and didn’t waste her opportunity as she tossed 17 excellent sets to deliver the Lady Tamaraws’ second straight win after sweeping the winless University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City,
READ: UAAP: FEU moves to solo 2nd after UE sweep in women’s volleyball
“It’s a big opportunity because it’s rare to play in events like this. I’m looking forward to performing better in the next games because we’ve been training well and the other teams are also preparing hard,” said Miranda in Filipino.
“The pressure is always there, so it’s up to me to find a way to overcome it.”
The National University Nazareth School graduate subbed in for senior playmaker Ubaldo in the first two sets and played a whole frame in the third. She didn’t disappoint as FEU won its second game in Round 2, rising to solo second with a 6-3 record behind leader National University (8-1) — their next assignment on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
FEU coach Tina Salak, a former legendary setter of the Lady Tamaraws, reminded the rookie setter not to miss the opportunity given to her.
The FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
“Every game, I remind them that they have an opportunity to play. It’s a sign of respect for the opponent. It’s up to them if they want to deliver or not,” said Salak in Filipino.
“It’s impressive! I hope we see it again against NU. Consistency is something I focus on. She’s gained momentum and motivation, and now she has the confidence to lead the team. Let’s see how she performs against NU. That’s the challenge.”
READ: UAAP: Coach Tina Salak looks to make most of intact FEU core
The former league MVP admitted that she’s hard on training, especially with her setters.
“I give a lot of challenges to the setters. Just because they’re second setters doesn’t mean they don’t have an important role. They have a big responsibility to the team, and I never take that away from them,” Salak said. “I’m strict with both of them. I’m always focused on all the overloads and technicals in training and games.”
Miranda is grateful for all the learnings from her coach and Ubaldo as she tries to help the Lady Tamaraws prove their contender status this season.
“I’m happy because I learn a lot from them in every training and game. I’m really looking forward to learning more from both of them. Coach Tina told me that we’re the ones who’ll lead the team, so Ate Tin and I are always helping each other to figure out what needs to be done,” she said.
