The Benilde Lady Blazers swept the JRU Lady Bombers on Saturday in their penultimate match in the elimination round of NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball. And, as usual, there were lots of standouts, with one of them being Shekaina Lleses, who ended up with 9 points and a bunch of successful receives.
Afterward, Shekaina Lleses spoke to Rebanse about relishing her role as Benilde’s defensive lynchpin—one that coach Jerry Yee has emphasized all season.
“Actually ‘yun naman po ‘yung sinasabi sa amin ni coach [Jerry Yee] na ‘yun nga, kami ‘yung inaasahan sa depensa lalo na sa likod kasi ‘yun ‘yung parang nakita na mataas ‘yung efficiency sa amin,” Lleses said. “So, as much as possible consistent namin [ginagawa] ‘yun and advice from the seniors lang lagi.”
Based on the statistical leaders last March 4, Lleses is No. 1 in the NCAA in receiving efficiency rate at 42.36%, followed by Letran Lady Knight Lara Mae Silvan at 41.71%, and Shahanna Lleses, Shekaina’s twin sister, at 41.38%.
Job’s Not Finished, Shekaina Lleses Stresses
Benilde’s sophomore sensation also acknowledged that the Lady Blazers’ job is far from over and that their championship form hasn’t come out yet.
“Ayaw namin i-stuck sa isip namin na twice-to-beat naman, go pero may kailangan pa eh. Hindi pa po tapos yung NC, may kailangan pa kaming trabahuhin, tuloy-tuloy lang dapat,” the 20-year-old said.
With their win against JRU, the Lady Blazers are now 9-3 and still have a chance of clinching the top spot in Group A.
“Hindi po natin masasabi ‘yan [championship form], pero as much as possible pero lahat naman kasi gusto mag-champion. As much as possible talaga gusto namin mag champion,” the outside hitter added. “Kung ano mga weaknesses namin throughout this season, kung ano yung mga lapses namin, mga lesson [na natutunan] namin, gusto din namin madala throughout the journey maging champion.”
Shekaina Lleses and the Lady Blazers will have one more game in the elimination round against the Mapua Lady Cardinals on March 11, Wednesday.
