MANILA – San Beda University Lady Red Spikers continues its build-up for the upcoming NCAA women’s volleyball season after securing the commitments of Ilongga Justine Therase Sillo and Jayde dela Cruz.
Sillo, a standout from Sta. Barbara National Comprehensive High School in Iloilo, said she was delighted to become the first Santa Barbaranhon to be given an opportunity to showcase her talents in Manila.
“I am happy and blessed to be the first Santa Barbaranhon to be recruited to play for a prestigious school like San Beda University,” the 5-foot-8 middle blocker told Panay News on Monday.
“It was also my dream to continue my volleyball career in Manila so I am very thankful to San Beda for this rare opportunity,” she added. “I will try my best to give pride and honor to the Ilonggos and San Beda University.”
Sillo is joining the growing list of Western Visayas-based recruits in Lady Red Spikers namely Sophie Cagalawan, Gwen Bañas, Amber Lily Biong, Jachryl Casugod, Erich Belo Bula, Gina Espina and transferee Reyann Cañete.
Dela Cruz, who previously played for Sta. Elena High School in Marikina City, said she chose to commit to the Lady Red Spikers as she wants to be part of its renaissance in the NCAA.
“Volleyball has been a part of my life for several years and I have developed a deep understanding of the game,” Dela Cruz said. “I am deeply committed to volleyball and I hope to rub off my passion to my San Beda teammates.”
“Naniniwala ako na every player may kaniya-kaniyang responsibilidad to uphold the highest standards of behaviour on and off the court,” added the 5-foot-8 opposite hitter. “With that, I believe that we can be a better team each game.”
The Lady Red Spikers were aiming to recover from a dismal ninth place finish during the NCAA Season 98 women’s volleyball tournament earlier this year, where they only won one of their nine matches.
The Mendiola-based volleybelles were looking forward to a brighter campaign in the upcoming season under newly-appointed head coach Edgar Barroga./PN
