The rookies are here

After some delay the volleyball tournament in Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines finally got under way last week. It was a start that was much anticipated because, among other things, of the group of talented rookies, particularly in women’s play, that was set to embark on their collegiate journeys.

And a week into the season, said rookies have proven the buzz surrounding them to be warranted as they have come into the league and are making an immediate impact for their respective teams.

Among the standout rookies for this space on opening week were Faith Nisperos of the Ateneo Lady Eagles, Imee Hernandez of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, Thea Gagate of the De La Salle Lady Spikers and Margot Mutshima of the National University Lady Bulldogs.

Played at Nazareth School of National University where she had a stellar high school career, Nisperos was fondly referred to as a “blessing” when she landed on the Lady Eagles’ nest.

And accordingly in two games to date with Ateneo (1-1), Nisperos has made a strong case for herself as a steady source of points for the now and the future.

She has been averaging 11.5 points, 10 coming off kills each time, for the Lady Eagles.

More telling, she is not hesitating to carry the cudgels when needed for the defending UAAP champions.

Case in point was in the second set of their match against rival La Salle where she stepped up her game as her more veteran teammates struggled.

Through her efforts, Ateneo managed to level the count against La Salle in said game with a set each before the Lady Spikers took the next two sets to down the Lady Eagles. Nisperos ended as the top scorer for Ateneo in the match with 13 points, two blocks and an ace.

UST’s Hernandez also had a rousing debut, finishing with 18 points, highlighted by six blocks, in their five-set thriller against NU.

Like Nisperos, Hernandez, off the UST high school program, has been providing steady contribution for the Tigresses (1-1) in their first two matches.

Sisters Eya and EJ Laure are accounting for the bulk of the offense for UST but Hernandez, averaging 12.5 points in two games, is turning out to be a viable option which should only help the team’s cause this season.

Gagate, for her part, is set to be a force to be reckoned with for La Salle.

The freshman middle-blocker had 10 points in her seniors debut against Ateneo, built on five kills and five blocks.

Her five swats were half of the team’s total production in said game.

Also, Gagate was a huge thorn on the side of the Lady Eagles as she led La Salle’s “iron wall” that made it difficult for the likes of Ateneo’s Jhoana Maraguinot and Kat Tolentino to get their game going.

La Salle has had solid middle-blockers in recent history and Gagate should well continue that tradition.

NU’s Mutshima, meanwhile, is as steady as it gets for the currently league-leading Lady Bulldogs (2-0).

Out of Congo, Mutshima has been good for 18 points per game to date.

Her steady play as an outside hitter has allowed her team to have fluidity with her teammates also complementing what she brings to the table.

The Lady Bulldogs had it rough last year but with Mutshima in tow this time around, the team’s thrust looks promising.

Other noteworthy UAAP rookies on opening week included Adamson Lady Falcons setter Louie Romero, Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal, University of the East Jana Lana and NU’s Chi Arroyo.

With all these rookies doing their thing early in the season, fans of the UAAP have every reason to stay glued to their seats and follow the league. Familiar and reliable faces are still around to banner the competition alright, but with them new and exciting names coming to the fore, UAAP Season 82 women’s volleyball is set for an exciting run moving forward.

POSTSCRIPT. It is just unfortunate that the UAAP had to suspend scheduled volleyball matches this week over the threat of the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But it was a hard decision that had to be made by the league to ensure the safety of the entire UAAP community. Hopefully such suspension would not be too long as the volleyball season has gotten to a great start and it would be a shame if such is not sustained. Stay safe everyone.