BACOLOD City – San Beda University Lady Red Spikers kicked off its offseason build up by securing the commitment of Capiznon middle blocker Erich Belo Bula and Negrense setter Gina Espina.
Bula, a native of Pontevedra, Capiz, said it was a dream come true for her to join the Lady Red Spikers as she hopes to start the influx of Capiznon volleybelles to San Beda and other Manila-based schools.
“It was my dream to be able to play and study in a prestigious school like San Beda,” Bula told Panay News on Thursday. “As the first Capiznon to play for the Lady Red Spikers, I will try my best to give honor to San Beda.”
“Also, I hope that this will start the entry of my Capiznon teammates in San Beda or in any schools in Manila,” added the Pontevedra Fire Antz volleyball team standout. “I will really give my best each training and each game to San Beda.”
The 5-foot-7 Bula had a decent resume as a member of Fire Antz as she won four Most Valuable Player trophies in various tournaments since April, 2022, with last in the Capiz Provincial Meet last March.
The Cadiz City, Negros Occidental-native Espina, on the other hand, was also grateful to the opportunity to be able to play with San Beda and follow the footsteps of her elder sister Matet Espina, who is with De La Salle University Lady Spikers in UAAP.
“I have mixed emotions. I am excited and at the same time nervous,” the 18-year-old Gina said. “I did not think twice of committing to San Beda. I’m giving my 101% commitment to them since playing in Manila like my ate is what I dreamt of.”
“I won’t promise to secure a winning streak, but I’ll put wholeheartedly every action I commit and all the passion I have to contribute to the team,” added the Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School setter.
Bula and Gina were the fourth and fifth Western Visayas-based rookies for San Beda aside from Bacolod Tay Tung High School standouts Gwen Banas, Sophie Cagalawan and Amber Lily Biong.
“We are pleased to have great talents from Western Visayas to be part of the San Beda University Women’s Volleyball Program. These players will play a vital role in our rebuilding process,” said San Beda team representative Ray Rosales.
“We would like to thank Sir Jose Montalbo for the trust and confidence with our Institution and we would also like to express our gratitude to Fr. Placido Acta and Coach Kurt De Guzman of the San Beda University Athletics Department for their support in making our vision to have a reputable volleyball program happen,” he added./PN
