UAAP: Green, Lady Spikers converge on the sand for Season 78

The past two editions of the UAAP Beach Volleyball tournament have been tough for the DLSU Green Spikers. For two consecutive seasons, they failed to get a single victory in 14 games despite playing close matches against some of the league’s top contenders.

On the other hand, the DLSU Lady Spikers are fresh off a runner-up finish both on the sand and on the court in Season 77. This year, however, they’re looking to go all the way to the top in both tournaments.

Establishing grounds

Although the promise of a championship is still a distant goal for the Green Spikers, the hope for improvement and for further success is well within the reach of the team. Two seasons of disappointing finishes have ignited the fire in them for the upcoming season.

“Pipilitin namin kahit makaapat [sa standings]. For the past two years, medyo pangit yung output ng team sa dalawang seasons, so by this year I’ll make sure na iibahin talaga namin. At least kung ‘di man makapasok ng top four, gumanda yung win-loss record namin,” shared beach volleyball coach Arnold Laniog.

Levin Dimayuga, a mainstay from last year’s team, will be joined by teammates Cris Dumago and Carlo Sendo in their quest for redemption.

Nothing advanced nor any special training techniques will be at the forefront of the team’s preparations as Laniog explained that the focus of the team remains with the mastery of beach volleyball fundamentals, especially basic ball control, which he believes will be a major key for the team’s success.

Closing in on the crown

In last season’s tournament, the Lady Spikers, composed of Kim Fajardo, Cyd Demecillo, and reserve player Ara Galang, lost the championship to the UST Tigresses in three games.

DLSU struggled at the start, as they lost to the Tigresses in their tournament opener. However, they immediately bounced back during their second match as they defeated UAAP Season 76 champion AdU Lady Falcons in straight sets, a development that sparked their six-game winning streak in the elimination round.

With a 6-1 win-loss record to boot, they advanced to the finals where they once again faced UST. Splitting the first two games of the finals, UST outplayed La Salle in game three to clinch the crown in straight sets, 21-15, 21-11.

This year, the Lady Spikers are planning to build on what they achieved in the previous season. “Lahat naman kasi ang goal is to beat the record last season. Finalist kami last year so ‘yun,” highlighted Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus.

The official lineup for La Salle in this year’s Women’s Beach Volleyball tournament has not been released as of press time. However, de Jesus shared that the coaching staff has five candidates from which they will choose the three who will compete in the upcoming UAAP season. Included in the list are Arianne Mae Layug, Season 77 representatives Fajardo and Demecillo, and rookies May Luna and Ernestine Tiamzon.

Two different teams, two different situations. As the season begins to unfold and the competition heats up, one common goal will unite and bind the two: Getting it done this season.