THE future is bright for Letran and Arellano University with two young guns carrying the torch.
Rookie sensation Vanessa Sarie and third-year standout AC Guinto are showing that the Lady Knights and the Chiefs are in good hands with breakout performances in the NCAA Season 100 volleyball tournament.
The 19-year-old Sarie smashed the NCAA scoring record after detonating for 37 points laced with 23 receptions against the Arellano Lady Chiefs last May 16, helping the Lady Knights pull off an emotional 25-22, 25-19, 23-25, 23-25, 17-15 win that helped them preserve a seven-game winning streak.
That outing allowed Sarie to join an elite rank of players who previously set a league scoring milestone like legends GrethcelSoltones, Honey Royse Tubino, and Mary RhoseDapol, as well as current San Beda star Angel Habacon.
A week before etching her name in history, Sarie also stuffed the stat sheet when she poured 17 points, 12 digs, and 12 receptions in Letran’s three-set romp of San Sebastian 25-21, 25-22, 25, 25-23last May 6.
The 21-year-old Guinto, meanwhile, continued to be a steady force for the Arellano Chiefs.
The high-leaping outside spiker led the show in Arellano’s new resurgence after dropping 20 points and 20 receptions in their 22-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-17 win over Letran last Friday and churning out 11 markers, 15 receptions, and four digs in their shock sweep of defending champion Perpetual on Sunday, 25-16, 28-26, 25-20.
The twin victories allowed the Chiefs to bounce back from a tough loss to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde a week prior 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 32-30, where Guinto top-scored with 19 points and grabbed 19 receptions. More importantly, Arellano has also raced to solo third with an 11-5 win-loss card.
With these, the two youngsters were named Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Players of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission for the period May 6 to May 18 for their outstanding performances in the women’s and men’s divisions.
Sarie edged out other nominees ZamNolasco of Benilde, Shai Omipon of Perpetual, and Sam Tiratira of Arellano for the weekly recognition also backed by Discovery Suites and World Balance.
Guinto, on the other hand, bested teammate Anfernee Curamen, Chris Lorenz Villanueva of Benilde, and Jeff Marapoc of Perpetual for the weekly recognition being deliberated and voted upon by print and online media covering the collegiate beat.
But while the future looks promising, Sarie and Guinto’s focus is on the present
“Second round napokasi(and)natalo kami (sa Arellano)nu’ng first round tapos ‘yunpotalagaang mindset naminnakailangan naming bumawisakanila,” Sarie said as Letran still holds the top spot at 13-2.
“I did not expect po ‘yung score kokasipalolangpoako ‘pagbinigaysa akin ‘yung bola. Hindi kopoiniisip ‘yung score, nando’nlangakosa mindset nakailangan naming manalo.”
Guinto, meanwhile, said they are hell-bent on making sure they take care of their remaining games in the elimination round and make it to the Final Four again.
“Angmasasabikolangpo ay pinaghahandaanpotalaganamin ‘tong last [few] games dahilhindi pa pokasi sure sa Final Four. Gusto po naming matalo ‘yung (matitira) para hindipo kami malaglagsa Final Four,” Guinto said last Friday.
