WITH their superstar teammates moving on after completing their playing years, Vange Alinsug and Shaira Jardio are expected to take on the leadership role for UAAP women’s volleyball champion National University.
Alinsug and Jardio emerged as the co-MVPs of the recent UAAP title showdown, proving they are ready to fill the shoes to be vacated by three-time league MVP Bella Belen, opposite spiker Alyssa Solomon and middle blockers Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring.During the finals, where NU swept De La Salle University in two games, Alinsug collected a total of 31 points in Games 1 and 2 while Jardio saved a total of 39 digs and caught 40 excellent receptions.
“May award man ako o wala, still kami pa rin iyong magiging leader sa susunod kaya room for improvements lang talaga kasi mahaba-haba pa talaga. Pero ngayon, i-e-enjoy lang namin itong panalo with the seniors,” Alinsug said after NU captured its historic back-to-back titles last week with a 25-19, 25-18, 25-19 victory against La Salle in Game 2.
Jardio said she wanted to have a fitting send-off for their seniors, adding the finals were a sign for them to take over.
“Sa akin naman, naka-mindset na kasi ako na kailangan kunin ko lahat ng makakaya ko, ibigay ko lahat ng makakaya ko and, gusto ko lang na umalis sila Ate Bella, Ate Erin, Ate Aly, Ate Sheena, na iyon nga, panalo,” said the 22-year-old libero.
Alinsug said they will share a heavier responsibility after the departure of their talented seniors, but added that the work will continue for the Sampaloc-based crew.
“Mahirap din iyong responsibility namin ngayon. Responsibility since mawawalan kami ng pinaka-strong, mga malalakas kong teammates. So, kahit sobrang hirap nilang palitan, madami pang buwan para pagtrabahuhan namin iyon ng kami-kami na lang,” said 22-year-old.
“And gagawin namin silang inspirasyon kasi kahit wala na sila, magpo-pro lang, trabaho lang po talaga nang trabaho kasi wala namang goals na hindi mo pinagtatrabahuhan na makukuha mo lang nang madalian lang. So, i-mindset lang namin ng lahat ng teammates kong maiiwan is lalaban pa din kami kahit maraming nawala sa amin.”
