The Arellano Lady Chiefs have a chance to reach the semifinals of the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, and one of the reasons for it is the return to form of middle blocker Sam Tiratira.
After being slowed down by a left foot injury early this season, Tiratira has emerged as one of Arellano’s most reliable players again. She even ended the eliminations with another double-digit scoring output, finishing with 10 points on 2 blocks to help lead Arellano past the EAC Lady Generals.
Afterward, Tiratira bared to Rebanse in an exclusive interview how being eager to get back has fueled her resurgence in the latter stages of the eliminations.
“Siguro ‘yung eagerness,” Tiratira pointed out as the key reason she’s been playing so well after her injury. “Before, nahihirapan ako tumalon or gumalaw kasi nagka-minor surgery ako sa paa. So, ayun trinabaho ko muna sa conditioning, then sa court nag-extra [training] ako, ganun po.”
Hard Work Paying Off for Tiratira
At the start of Season 101, the 21-year-old missed some games as she was still rehabbing her surgically repaired left foot. According to Tiratira, she had her surgery on December 23, 2025, and had to rest for an entire month. During this period, she couldn’t even use her left foot to walk.
But through sheer hard work and determination, she’s now back and playing better than ever.
“Ayun po, lumalabas naman po ‘yung result ng progress,” she said.
Tiratira and Arellano Facing Tall Task
Now, Tiratira and her teammates are focused on the next task at hand: beat the four-time defending champions Benilde Lady Blazers on Tuesday in quarterfinals action to live another day. It is a big challenge, indeed, given Benilde’s championship pedigree, but the Lady Chiefs are coming in with a win-for-the-school, win-for-the-seniors mindset, according to Tiratira.
“Siguro ‘yung mindset namin to win. Siyempre for the school, sa coaches namin, sa team, and especially sa seniors. Kailangan namin ilaban, like i-all out na,” she stressed.
