Champions are not defined by how they fall, but by how they rise. While some may play for trophies, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers are playing for legacy. The echoes of past triumphs are heard through the halls, reminding them of the greatness they once held and the glory that still awaits.
This upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87, the DLSU Lady Spikers are back for more and remain on track as they continue their pursuit for the Volleyball championship.
Last Season 86, the Lady Spikers ended their journey in a heartbreaking match that gave them a bronze medal finish. That chapter also marked the departure of graduating seniors Julia Coronel, Maicah Larroza, Leila Cruz, Jhay-ar Levina, and Thea Gagate — players who left an indelible mark on the program and the league. Now, as the baton passes to Angel Canino, who is in her junior year, she fully embraces the weight of responsibility and her new role as Team Captain. “If you have a line under your name, mas mabigat yung responsibility mo. Laging sinasabi ng coaches na sa loob ng team, you’re considered as one of them. I’m trying to be my best version for the team. Kinikilala ko din yung bagong Angel,” Canino shared.
When asked about what lesson they learned from Season 86 that they would bring over to this season, she emphasized the importance of mindset over skill, saying: “Yung isang lesson na talagang dadalhin namin from last season, is that hindi dapat kami maging kampante sa skills namin. It’s about how dedicated we are to win the game and win the championship.”
The team had already given a preview of their skill and power in the pre-season, as they exceeded expectations in the tournaments they joined. Most recently, they went undefeated in the eliminations and secured a silver finish in the Shakey’s Super League 2024 Pre-Season Championship. They also claimed the title at the 39th Kadayawan Invitationals, adding yet another championship to their growing collection. As Canino looked back at their stint in the tournaments, she talked about how vital it was in their preparation as a team. “After the pre-season tournaments, the team was able to figure out kung nasaan na kami banda as a team. Nalaman namin kung saan kami dapat mag-improve,” she said.
Now, the Lady Spikers are picking up right where they left off. Led by seniors Baby Jyne Soreño and Jessa Ordiales, alongside Sophia Sindayen, Jhianna De Jesus, and Julyana Tolentino, they provide the steady guidance and leadership their team needs. At the forefront of their batch of “ates” is Alleiah Malaluan, whose experience and composure make her a key figure in guiding the squad through the battles ahead. “Sila yung nagba-balance sa team,” Canino added. “They balance out our feelings, emotions — when we’re at an all time high, [sila yung] sinasabing nagpapakalma. When we’re at a low, sila nagbibigay ng advice and guidance.”
The young Captain later went on to say that despite their leadership and responsibilities, she knows that they still have a lot to learn from their seniors. Their batch of junior players consists of standout recruits who have proven themselves to be vital inside and outside of the court: from Shevana Laput, Amie Provido, Lyka De Leon, to Ela Raagas. The five now enter the new season with a different form and a different aura, a stark contrast to their rookie years, ready to take on more as they embrace their roles with much more maturity.
With their transformation from rookies to leaders in full swing, the spotlight now shifts to this season’s newcomers. A new generation of Lady Spikers are ready to take the stage, bringing fresh energy and talent to a team hungry for redemption. Sophomores Mikole Reyes and Katrina “Lilay” Del Castillo return with valuable experience from their rookie campaigns, while Jillian Santos enters her debut UAAP season under unique circumstances. Though a rookie on paper, the exceptional talent brings a level of maturity and experience that sets her apart, ready to make an immediate impact on the squad.
Joining them is a promising batch of fresh faces: Shane Reterta, Vida Caringal, Riane Cortez, Sofia Rodriguez, and Althea Cabradilla. All who have already given a glimpse of their power and potential in the preseason after showing flashes of brilliance and proving they belong on the big stage. Now, as the season begins, they look to carry that momentum forward and carve out their place in the Lady Spikers’ system.
Besides reclaiming the championship and bringing it back home for the Green and White, Canino mentioned that they want to be sharper and more consistent, echoing their Head Coach Ramil de Jesus’ constant reminders to the girls of keeping a balanced mind and body inside the court. That same mentality that they’ve learned from their coaches and from their experiences is now what sets them apart heading into this season. The heartbreaks that they’ve experienced from last season, as well as from the pre-season, are only fueling their determination. “Yung hugot na pinanghahawakan namin, dadalhin namin this upcoming season.” Canino expressed.
Every season has its challenges and there are no flawless seasons, especially with the lessons and experiences that the team carries with them. As they prepare to face more heading into their Season 87 campaign, Canino added: “Walang team na perfect. Madami kaming challenges na hinarap at hinaharap. Pero nai-improve namin at nagagawan ng paraan agad-agad. My teammates listen to the coaches and we help one another, that’s the good thing about our team.”
Year after year, the Lady Spikers see the support of their fans and the Lasallian community, to which Canino expressed her gratitude as they go through times of triumph and grief. “Kahit anong mangyari, nandyan sila lagi para sa amin to comfort us and give us the support that we need. Hindi namin makakaya lahat ‘to kung hindi dahil sa kanila. They’re part of our motivation from training to games.” she shared, saying that their support and comfort has drowned out any negativity that may come their way.
As the Lady Spikers step onto the court for Season 87, they carry with them the lessons of the past, the hunger of the present, and the vision for the future. The heartbreaks they’ve endured have only strengthened their resolve, shaping them into a team that refuses to be defined by setbacks. The journey to this season has not been easy for the team, but they’re back sharper, hungrier, and stronger. With a perfect blend of seasoned leaders, battle-tested juniors, and hungry newcomers, they are not just chasing another championship — they are redefining what it means to wear the Green and White.
This is not just another season; this is a reckoning. Their battle for redemption and glory begins now, and the DLSU Lady Spikers are ready to carve their names once more into the history books. The journey back to the top is never easy, but dynasties aren’t built on comfort — they are forged in fire. And that fire is now burning brighter than ever.
Unleash your all-out support for the DLSU Lady Spikers in their redemption campaign starting this Sunday, February 16, against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. Their Round 1 schedule are as follows:
DLSU vs. NU — February 16, 3:00 PM
DLSU vs. AdU — February 22, 5:00 PM
DLSU vs. UST— February 26, 5:00 PM
DLSU vs. UP — March 2, 1:00 PM
DLSU vs. UE— March 8, 1:00 PM
DLSU vs. Ateneo — March 12, 3:00 PM
DLSU vs. FEU — March 15, 3:00 PM
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