The two have craved for a championship since wearing the La Salle jersey. Now that they got one, perhaps they want to stay and win more?
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers formed a big circle around Mars Alba and Jolina dela Cruz, went down on one knee, and made the archer gesture inside the court at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It was a ritual of sorts for graduating La Salle players like Alba and Dela Cruz, who helped the Lady Spikers capture the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball title at the expense of the National University Lady Bulldogs on Sunday.
The two couldn’t help but be overcome with emotions as they would leave the Archers’ lair a champion.
“Pinagtulungan namin maabot ‘tong goal na ‘to kasi sa five years ko dito, ngayon lang ako nakaranas ng champion," said Alba, who was also hailed Finals MVP after the come-from-behind 19-25, 23-25, 25-15, 25-17 Game 2 win.
It’s the same feeling for Dela Cruz, who, if ever, is leaving the team in good hands with the likes of rookie-MVP Angel Canino and Best Middle Blocker Thea Gagate in the fold.
“Same lang po with Mars, sobrang saya sa pakiramdam kasi sobrang tagal naming hinintay 'yung chance na ganito. Sobrang thankful kami kay God kasi kami nabigyan ng opportunity,” she said.
“Sobrang proud ako sa mga bata kasi kaya nila mag-perform nang maayos without their ates. Sobrang laking tiwala ko na kahit down kami, kaya nilang iangat.”
Both volleybelles, though, can choose to stay on and continue donning the La Salle jersey. But it’s all up in the air right now.
“Enjoyin lang muna namin. Basta po, nasa cloud nine pa kami e," Kanina parang, ‘nananaginip ba ako?’ Ganito po pala talaga feeling. Thank you Lord talaga,” said Alba, who was also named Season 85 Best Setter.
(GM)