In less than 24 hours, the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball will officially return on television and in the minds of sports fans. The off-season was full of controversies like the sudden departure of Casiey Dongallo from the University of the East Lady Red Warriors to the injury of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses veterans Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula.
Now, the road is set for another high action of volleyball, that will see the rise to greatness of several rookies that already made a name for themselves in high school.
Here are the rookies to watch this UAAP Season 87 in women’s volleyball.
Adamson’s Shaina Nitura
A rookie of the year contender, Adamson University Lady Falcons standout Shaina Nitura is the rookie everyone has been watching in the collegiate ranks. Despite being a rookie, Shaina is tasked to lead the team as their captain.
After their lackluster performance in Season 86 – losing Lorene Toring, Ishie Lalongisip, and Lucille Almonte for several reasons – the San Marcelino-based squad fortunately gained a gem in Nitura.
In Season 86, Nitura played for the girls’ tournament, leading the Baby Lady Falcons to a complete 14-0 sweep en route to their first championship. Aside from bringing the crown to Adamson for the first time, Nitura also won the Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, Best Outside Spiker, and Athlete of the Year – a testament to her upcoming greatness.
UST’s Marga Altea
On the side of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, six-foot middle blocker Margaret Altea is one of the five players who remained at the España-based school after playing for the Junior Golden Tigresses.
Serving as the team captain of the UST team that finished third in Season 86, Altea will be in unknown territory as head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes converted her to become an open hitter, filling the gaps of injured veterans Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula.
With veterans Detdet Pepito, Regina Jurado, and Angge Poyos leading the pack, Altea acknowledged that she needed to work harder.
NU’s Celine Marsh and IC Cepada
After graduating high school, Celine Marsh and IC Cepada did not look further as they decided to remain with the National University. Marsh is a two-time 2nd Best Outside Spiker while Cepada is Season 86’s Best Libero in the girls’ tournament.
Marsh and Cepada led the Lady Bullpups to a championship in Season 85 before settling for silver in Season 86 against the Nitura-led Lady Baby Falcons.
Now that the Lady Bulldogs are trying to achieve a back-to-back championship, Marsh and Cepada are two vital pieces of the team that can help reigning MVP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Shaira Jardio defend the title.
UP’s Kianne Olango
From the National University-Nazareth School, Kianne Olango took her talents to the University of the Philippine Diliman. Olango was the team captain who led the Lady Bullpups to a championship and a runner-up finish.
Olango won the UAAP Season 85 MVP and Season 86 Best Opposite Hitter. Olango was once called by the Phenom of Philippine Volleyball Alyssa Valdez as one of “the future of Philippine volleyball.”
Placing eighth last season with 1 win and 13 losses, Olango can make a difference in a rookie-laden Fighting Maroons with veterans Nica Celis and Niña Ytang leading the team.
