Even with a perfect record in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, the La Salle Lady Spikers continue to find areas to improve as they gear up for the postseason. One focus, in particular, has been their middle attack, with Lilay Del Castillo and Amie Provido looking to elevate their impact despite steady performances so far.
“So ’yun nga, malaking factor talaga sa amin na nag-co-contribute ’yung middle namin,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo after their straight-sets win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“Kailangan lang talaga makapag-contribute ’yung dalawang middle. Once nagiging effective sila, mas nagiging formidable ’yung team, especially sa connection nila with the setter.”
Lilay Del Castillo and Her Growth at La Salle
The Lady Spikers have long been known for producing elite middle blockers, setting a high standard for the current duo to follow.
For Lilay Del Castillo, improvement is not just about meeting expectations—it is also personal. She credited Provido as her inspiration behind her growth as a middle blocker.
“’Yung connection namin ni Ate Em, hindi lang siya teammate or ate sa court. Parang model ko talaga siya,” said Del Castillo.
“Kung ano man na-achieve niya at kaya niyang gawin, gusto ko rin ma-achieve. Siya ’yung inspiration ko to be a better player and person.”
“Hindi lang kami teammates—parang ate ko talaga siya. Gina-guide niya ako inside and outside the court.”
Improving While Winning
Despite already securing the top seed with a 12-0 record, the Lady Spikers remain focused on refining their game heading into the Final Four.
La Salle still has matches against the UE Lady Red Warriors and the NU Lady Bulldogs to close out the elimination round, with a chance to complete a sweep.
“In terms of technical skills, nandun naman ’yun. Lagi kami nag-eensayo,” Lilay Del Castillo concluded. “Siguro more on emotional game, kung paano namin i-uplift ’yung sarili namin at teammates namin kapag pressured na.”
“Sa training, lagi kaming nire-remind ng coaches na ’wag maging complacent. Kalaban pa rin ’yan. Kailangan lang namin sumunod sa sinasabi ng coaches at i-apply ’yung tinuturo nila sa susunod na games,” she said.
