Ateneo remains unbeaten but La Salle and National U are breathing down their necks. Who’s been the best in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament so far?
Setter Jem Ferrer, ADMU (3.0 points, 26.7 excellent sets)
Ferrer has been her usual steady self, finding teammates in the right spots and setting them up for deadly attacks. Pitted against newbie Loren Lantin, the fifth-year setter showcased her skill and outplayed the UST playmaker, 29-12.
Outside Myla Pablo, NU (19.0 points, 15.7 hits, 1.3 blocks, 2.0 aces)
Nobody has surprised a lot of fans this season than Pablo, who is showing both power and efficiency as the Bulldogs’ primary option on the wing. Pablo scored a career-high 22 points in their win over University of the East and is hitting an eye-popping and league-leading 44.34 percent of her attacks this season.
Outside Alyssa Valdez, ADMU (17.3 points, 15.0 hits, 0.3 blocks, 2.0 aces)
The Lady Eagles routed rivals UST last Sunday and it was Valdez who set the tone for Ateneo’s ascent to the top. The second-year spiker poured on seven of his game-high 16 points off four aces and three attacks.
Middle Dindin Santiago, NU (21.3 points, 15.7 hits, 1.7 blocks, 4.0 aces)
Santiago took a backseat to Pablo in their triumph over UE, but the talented senior was nevertheless fantastic, giving the Lady Bulldogs 17 important points as NU hiked their record to 2-1. The slot could’ve gone to Wenneth Eulalio, who scored 19 points in a win over UP, but a five-point stinker against La Salle proved to be the vet’s doom.
Middle Abi Marano, DLSU (12.0 points, 8.0 hits, 3.3 blocks, 0.7 aces)
The reigning UAAP MVP makes her first appearance in our list and deservedly so after leading the Lady Spikers to two consecutive victories in Week 2. Marano has been a force to reckon with on the defensive ends, providing a wall at the net for La Salle as they seek a third straight trophy.
Opposite Dzi Gervacio, ADMU (9.0 points, 5.0 hits, 1.3 blocks, 2.7 aces)
Gervacio fired six service aces to UST’s way in their win, doing most of the damage in the pivotal third set, when the Lady Eagles quelled an early Tigress uprising to chalk up the victory. Gervacio still possesses the league’s deadliest jump-serve while also having the ability to contribute on both ends.
Libero Jen Reyes, NU (16.0 digs, 20.7 excellent receptions, 43.7% efficiency)
With the way she’s been playing, Reyes is making the discussion for who the best libero in the UAAP is moot and academic. The fifth-year defensive specialist leads the league in both digs and reception, anchoring the backrow for the 2-1 Lady Bulldogs.