JOLINA dela Cruz has been the all-around driving force that the La Salle Lady Spikers needed to push them back firmly in title contention status following stunning back-to-back sweeps of defending UAAP women’s volleyball champion National University.
As the stock of super rookie Angel Canino grew and grew, the veteran Dela Cruz was always just a step behind the spotlight, providing ample support in every single category that matters, whether on attacks, blocks, services, or floor defense.
In La Salle’s first round sweep over the Lady Bulldogs last Wednesday, the fourth-year spiker tallied 11 points and 10 excellent digs, again exemplifying her support role as Canino topscored with 14.
Dela Cruz then proved her consistency to returning mentor Ramil de Jesus in the immediate rematch to kick off the second round on Saturday, chipping in 12 points with three blocks to go with nine excellent receptions.
For her consistent production matching her proven leadership for the unbeaten Lady Spikers, Dela Cruz earned the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week presented by the San Miguel Corporation and Philippine Sports Commission from March 22 to 25.
Following a vibrant discussion among print and online scribes covering the beat, Dela Cruz emerged as the unanimous choice ahead of previous winners Canino and Adamson’s Trisha Tubu, La Salle’s Mars Alba, Ateneo’s Faith Nisperos, and FEU’s Jov Fernandez.
