IT IS no secret that, for the past two consecutive seasons, the Lady Eagles have completely dominated the volleyball arena. Last Season 77, the team successfully defended their crown and made history by setting the UAAP record for the longest winning streak in a single season with a 16-0 record.
The back-to-back champions established their perfect season with a clean sweep of the competition–taking control of all their regular season matches while also defeating rising powerhouse National University to take the crown. However, the Lady Eagles are still wary of their Manila-based counterparts, who returned the favor by defeating the Ateneo in their Shakey’s V-League finals matchup during the preseason.
With their competition only getting better, preparations are still going strong under the guidance of Coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit, who is readying the Lady Eagles to continue the Blue and White’s volleyball dynasty despite a changing cast of spikers.
Even with the exit of Dennise Lazaro, Aerieal Patnongon, and Ella de Jesus due to graduation and Michelle Morente and Ana Gopico due to academic issues, the Lady Eagles still maintain a formidable roster for Season 78.
A new addition to the team is Pauline Gaston from the University of Santo Tomas high school while Pamela Dungo, a freshman recruit from California, will be replacing Lazaro as the Lady Eagles’ libero this season.
Key players this season also include Season 77 Best Setter Jia Morado and Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Amy Ahomiro. Rising spiker Jhoana Maraguinot will also be back for her second stint with the team. Finally, volleyball Phenom Alyssa Valdez–who was able to garner the MVP, Best Scorer, and Best Spiker awards last season–will continue to lead the team in defending the championship title once again.
The Lady Eagles are still wary of their Manila-based counterparts, who returned the favor by defeating the Ateneo in their Shakey’s V-League finals matchup during the preseason.
With a three-peat within their grasp, the Lady Eagles continuously improve both their individual skills and their consistency as a team. “Everyday is an adjustment,” says sophomore Bea de Leon. “We have to take one game at a time until we hopefully get to defend our title once again.”