Tolentino, Katrice Jade E.

BSMLS 2-1

PE 4 – Team Sports (Volleyball)

UAAP Volleyball Skill Analysis (NU vs DLSU)

In every competition, remember that it will only have one winner. Last June 21, 2022
marks the UAAP volleyball season 84 final game with National University Lady Bulldogs versus De
la Salle University Lady Spikers. Every audiences are in awe and focused during the game since
this is where the real champion will be recognized. And at last, as the season ended, National
University Lady Bulldogs achieved their sweet victory as the queens of UAAP after six decades as
they complete a rare score of 16-0 this season, netizens and fans claimed that the NU lady
bulldogs “sweep” their opponents this season. But let us also recognize the other teams who
participated this season as they execute their remarkable skills and sportsmanship, even though
they are defeated, I’m looking forward to see them again stronger and tougher to the next season
of UAAP.
As I’d watch the first set, I can feel the pressure at the court since both teams executed
their games very well at their previous game with other school. Both of the team has a strong
defense because they could catch, dig, and block the ball as it goes to their side/base. But let me
point out the astounding skills of the team as a whole before I analyze their skill one on one.
During the first set, NU lady bulldogs are on fire with their tricky spike, feint, and blocking ability
while the DLSU lady spikers is tougher in terms of service, receiving, and digging skills. Jolina Dela
Cruz of DLSU delivers an on-point serve which Belen of NU did not received properly yet on the
whole game NU players has more notable skills showed during the whole game that made them
secure all the awards. Their rookie-MVP Mhicaela Belen shows her exceptional tough blocking
making the ball bounced back to the opponent’s base and her smashing spiking skills that no one
in DLSU team can receive nor dig. Other than the MVP-Rookie of the year title, Belen is indeed
an all-rounder since she is also entitled as the best outside hitter. Along with Belen, Alyssa
Solomon garners the best opposite spikers which she really deserve since once the ball touches
her palm, her palm automatically spike the ball to the spacious area of the opponents court
making the ball impossibly to be dig or received, in short she can already set her eyes where she
will spike the ball. For me, those two are the most noticeable NU player because of their abilities.
For the special mention, the NU lady bulldog’s best libero, Ms. Jen Nierva who digs and receive
the ball with no hesitation that has somewhat a big help for the team to gain a score. Her reflexes
are very quick and you’ll notice that she’s very attentive inside the court that makes her save the
ball. Meanwhile, Camilla Lamina, NU lady bulldog’s best setter, set the ball properly- making it
unreadable for the opponent who will block because they can’t measure who will spike and
where will the ball will land. She had a very good ball distribution with her teammates which
proves that she’s a real team player. Maybe without her, the NU spikers mentioned above
wouldn’t blow a tricky and feint spikes. Sheena Toring, NU’s best middle blocker serves by
confusing the opponent’s blocker if the pass would be good enough. In addition, she can read
other teams attack that makes her block the ball immediately. And lastly, the captain of NU Lady
bulldogs who is Princess Anne Robles coordinate with her teammates by securing a precise
service, excellent digs, a powerful attack, and tough defense by blocking that garners her the title
MVP for the UAAP season 84 volleyball game.
Indeed, every team during this season are exemplary, they got the means and guts to win
yet there’s only one winner who will bring home the crown. DLSU gave a very tight game, maybe
if the service didn’t go outside, they got the chance to secure a win in the third set but the odds
reside with NU lady bulldogs this year. All of them gave a good fight, the defeat may serve as a
lesson and motivation to strive and play smarter in the upcoming season.