Cansino, Prado share UAAP Player of the Week nod

CJ Cansino is not yet 100 percent, but he is nonetheless going all-out in leading UST's quest to return to the playoffs in the UAAP 82 Men's Basketball Tournament.

And after a slow start to the season as he continues to recover from his ACL injury last year, Cansino is picking up steam at the right time and is well on his way in reclaiming a place as one of the league's brightest young stars.

The same sort of determination to get back to the semifinals is much evident in Mar Prado of Adamson, this one over at the Women's side of the action.

In fact, in a crucial contest wherein the Lady Falcons were out to strengthen their stranglehold on the third-seed, she exploded for a career-best 40 points to go along with eight rebounds, six assists, four steals, and a block.

"'Di siya nagbwakaw para makuha yung 40 points niya," said coach Ewon Arayi of Prado's scoring outburst that got the most important statistic of all - an Adamson win over UP. "Dinala pa rin niya yung team."

All the while, the 23-year-old did it in style, going 17-of-36 from the field en route to joining an elite club of only four lady ballers to breach the 40-point marker.

Without a doubt, both Prado and Cansino want nothing more than to help their teams keep playing until the next round.

And that is also why without a doubt, they are deserving to be hailed as co-awardees as Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Players of the Week.

The Lady Falcons' top gun is only the third Women's player to receive the recognition decided upon by print and online scribes working the beat - following National U's Ria Nabalan and UP's Pat Pesquera.

For his part, this is Cansino's third taste of the weekly plum - following the two he got from his super rookie season.

That one ended earlier than expected, however, as his left knee injury forced him to miss UST' last game, to rehab for nine months, and to only be cleared for contact a month before the new season.

Because of that, the 6-foot-1 guard struggled in the earlygoing, averaging 4.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and less than one steal.

"Sobra akong na-frustrate nun kasi akala ko nagawa ko na lahat, akala ko kumpleto na ako," he shared. "Sabi ko nga before the season, 100 percent na ako, pero nung lumabas sa laro, hindi pa pala."

In the Growling Tigers' back-to-back wins in the last week, however, Cansino has reminded everybody just why he was named team captain as a sophomore, with norms of 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals.

"Naging learning process sa akin yun na wag mag-stop kahit feeling mong kumportable ka na," said the 19-year-old about what he did to get over his personal hump. "Make yourself feel uncomfortable every time para mag-work hard ka palagi."

Indeed, with hard work and dedication, Cansino and Prado made history together - becoming only the third co-Players of the Week in the history of the collegiate ranks alongside Nabalan and Ateneo's Ange Kouame in the UAAP as well as San Beda's Robert Bolick and Letran's Bong Quinto in the NCAA.

The co-Players of the Week edged out L-Jay Gonzales of FEU, Jun Manzo of UP, and Isaac Go of Ateneo for the recognition.

Abando shines as first Player of the Week for UAAP Season 82

Rhenz Abando has taken the league by storm in the first week of Season 82

The first Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week went to a guy who took the league by storm on its opening week.

Rhenz Abando impressed basketball fans with a 22-point debut against the University of the East this past Wednesday, helping the University of Santo Tomas exact a 95-82 victory.

The Philippine College of Science and Technology transfer would follow that up three days later with twelve points, seven rebounds, and a couple of assists and steals to help the Growling Tigers stun last season's finalists, the University of the Philippines, 85-69.

All in all, the La Union native averaged seventeen points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, which elicited a unanimous decision amongst the print and online media in making the deliberations for the award. Rhenz would beat out his teammate Soulemane Chabi Yo, Mike Nieto and Gian Mamuyac of Ateneo, Lenda Douanga of Adamson, and L-Jay Gonzales of FEU for the nod.

UST head coach Aldin Ayo was all praise when asked about the forward's contributions. He says, "Ngayon, grateful ako na nangyayari yung ganito sa UST kasi si Rhenz, he's very talented, pero alam din niya kung anong kulang niya at dapat trabahuin niya." Aldin adds, "Si Rhenz, breadwinner 'to eh so when you have that player, 'di mo kailangan i-motivate 'yan. They're playing for their families and their community."

Oftana named Player of the Week

Calvin Oftana. Photo c/o San Beda Sports on Facebook.

Defending champions San Beda continues their domination in the NCAA, remaining undefeated in Season 95 four games in.

In their lone game last week, a 73-59 win over title hopeful San Sebastian this past Friday, one guy stood out the most.

Veteran forward Calvin Oftana almost had a triple-double against the Golden Stags, falling three assists short, ending up with ten points, ten rebounds, and seven dimes. He scored eight of those points in the final period, including a couple of triples, allowing the Red Lions to pull away and preserve their unblemished record.

Such a feat got the attention of the writers that comprise the Collegiate Press Corps, who rewarded that performance with this week's Chooks-to-Go NCAA Player of the Week nod, beating out Renzo Navarro of Lyceum, Ato Ular of Letran, Jimboy Pasturan of College of Saint Benilde, and Kent Salado of Arellano.

Head coach Boyet Fernandez shared to the media after their victory, "Calvin made his shots in the fourth. He had been missing that in the first quarters, but I told them if they’re open, they should take it." He added, "I’m happy with the way he played today and hopefully, maging consistent pa lalo si Calvin."

But for the 6'5" forward, the focus remains on working his way to becoming a reliable and consistent big man for San Beda, having inherited the majority of the production left behind by current Rain or Shine rookie Javee Mocon. He says, "Sobrang mahirap, pero dinodoble ko yung effort ko para mag-improve. Para may ipakita naman ako this season."

Letran's Bonbon Batiller emerges as Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Sports Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week

Photo from Gelay Davocol via Facebook.

Bonbon Batiller has not had a good start for NCAA Season 95.

No thanks to his offseason shoulder surgery, the guard is averaging a couple of points and three turnovers in just under eight and a half minutes per game in the first couple of games for Letran.

The next two games revealed a different Batiller.

This past Tuesday, the UE transfer led the Knights with fourteen points in a 55-43 win over then-winless Jose Rizal University. He then followed that with team-high 22 points last Friday in their 82-80 overtime victory over Perpetual, a team led by a fellow UE transfer in Edgar Charcos.

Batiller's explosion allowed Letran to extend their winning streak to three matches after their opening day defeat to Lyceum. At 3-1, they are good enough to be in fourth place in the league behind currently undefeated San Beda, College of Saint Benilde, and San Sebastian.

He shared to the media later on, "Para sa akin, si coach Bonnie, talagang yung mga leaders, china-challenge niya. Talagang kailangan naming mag-step up. Kaya para sakin, gagawin ko ang lahat para maabot ko yung expectation niya rin sa akin para makatulong ako sa team as a leader at senior."

Batiller beat out his teammate Ato Ular, San Sebastian's veteran duo of RK Ilagan and Allyn Bulanadi, Lyceum's Jayson David, San Beda's James Canlas, and JRU's Agem Miranda for the Player of the Week nod, which is handed out to a deserving player by the print and online media covering the Grand Old League.

Kat Tolentino picked as Player of the Week

Kat Tolentino anchored Ateneo to back-to-back wins this week.

Smarting from an opening weekend loss to defending champions La Salle, Ateneo rode on the powerful shoulders of Kat Tolentino to secure much-needed wins this past week at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

She collected 41 points in wins over the University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University, doing so in such an impressive fashion that the Collegiate Press Corps feted her with the Player of the Week nod, beating out Michelle Cobb, Milena Alessandrini, and Ivy Lacsina for the nod.

Against the Golden Tigresses, Tolentino unloaded for 22 points, including four blocks, to lead the Lady Eagles to a 25-21 25-18 16-25 25-22 victory on Wednesday.

She then contributed 17 spikes and 2 blocks in Ateneo's come-from-behind five-set victory over Far Eastern University, 14-25 19-25 25-21 25-18 15-12, last Sunday. All but two of 19 points came in the final three sets, as the Lady Eagles tried to dig themselves out of the hole they put themselves into.

Even with their defensive shortcomings, the Fil-Canadian spiker shares that it will not stop her from attempting to overcome them with her lethal attacks. She says, "For me I realized that I can't just stand there and tip the ball or hit it light. I have to go all out. I have to spike with power and how I normally do it."

Ateneo can extend their winning run to three matches with a win over the University of the East this Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Cansino snaps up second Player of the Week nod

CJ Cansino continues to impress in the 81st Season of the UAAP, as he shone the most last week to be named as the league's latest Player of the Week by the Collegiate Press Corps.

Presented by Chooks-to-Go, the nod was in recognition of being the first freshman to secure a triple double since the integration of computerized stats in the UAAP back in 2003.

The Tiger Cub-turned-Growling Tiger finished with twenty points, fourteen rebounds, and ten assists for the University of Santo Tomas in their 79-68 victory over the University of the East, a win that moved them into solo fourth place in the league standings heading into the stretch run towards the postseason.

Head Coach Aldin Ayo was least surprised with CJ's effort, sharing to the media after the game, "I know that ever since na kinuha ko si CJ, ang goal ko sa kanya is matulungan siya na mag-materialize lahat ng potential niya."

He adds, "CJ is full of potential, gusto lang namin mag-materialize iyon. I hope hindi siya makuntento, he continues improving. The good thing about CJ is that he always responds whenever sinasabihan namin."

For CJ, he deflects the credit more towards Ayo's system. "Masaya syempre dahil nakuha ko yung triple-double pero sinunod ko lang kasi ‘yung sistema na sharing the ball, na lahat kailangan gumana. Thankful ako sa sistema dahil nag-fit ito sa’kin," said the former Juniors MVP.

The win served as a celebratory moment for a couple more reasons, as not only did it eclipse the total wins UST garnered during the tenure of Ayo's predescessor, Boy Sablan, but also served as a fitting birthday gift for Cansino, who dedicated the milestone to his coaches as well as to the UST community.

"Oo, inspired ‘di lang dahil birthday ko, dahil (din) sa mga tao na grabe ‘yung mga sinasakripisyo sa team, lalo na ‘yung coaching staff. ‘Yung last game namin, ang pangit so para sa kanila talaga ‘to, to the community, and the coaches na sobra magsakripisyo sa team."

To secure his second Player of the Week nod, the print and online media picked Cansino over his teammate Marvin Lee, Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo, Brandon Bates of La Salle, and Jerrick Ahanmisi of Adamson.

CJ Cansino named as Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week

Early on in the UAAP's 81st season, CJ Cansino has proven that Aldin Ayo is correct in having put much faith in his freshman forward.

The former Tiger Cub has made himself a top contender not just for the Rookie of the Year, but also has an outside chance at making the Mythical Five, and even the Most Valuable Player.

And in UST's back-to-back wins this week, Cansino has delivered for the Growling Tigers. In their 86-72 blowout against the University of the Philippines, he contributed seventeen points, ten rebounds, six assists, and a couple of steals. He followed that up with five points, twelve rebounds, and three assists as they swept Far Eastern University in the eliminations with a 78-70 victory.

His efforts did not go unnoticed by the media, as the Collegiate Press Corps chose him over teammate Zach Huang, Thirdy Ravena and Ange Kouame of Ateneo, Aljun Melecio of La Salle, and John Lloyd Clemente of National University to be their Chooks-to-Go UAAP Player of the Week.

Cansino shared to the media, "Gusto ko lang ibigay yung best ko for UST kaya kahit pa nung Juniors hanggang ngayon, pag pumapasok ako sa loob ng court, binibigay ko talaga yung best ko." He also adds, "Lahat talaga ng effort namin as a team, lumalabas na. Kung paano kami nagpa-pracitce, nadadala na namin dito."

The former High School MVP has vowed to continue to work hard in his craft. "Masaya ako na yung extra hard work ko, lumalabas din, pero dagdag motivation lang yun para mas galingan ko pa."

Justine Baltazar as the UAAP Player of the Week

It's his time to shine.

With Ben Mbala around for the past couple of seasons, Justine Baltazar was content to settle for limited minutes.

But with the Cameroon international taking his talents to the pro ranks overseas, as well as for his national team, coupled with an injury to their prized recruit Taane Samuel, the former Juniors Finals MVP has stepped up and taken his portion of the spotlight, helping La Salle secure two wins this week.

On Wednesday, he netted seventeen points and twelve rebounds in just under 27 minutes against National University. His jumper with 28 seconds left broke a 76-all tie against the Bulldogs, with the Green Archers eventually securing an 80-76 win.

Then on Sunday, he netted sixteen points, fourteen rebounds, and three blocks in La Salle's 82-72 victory over UE.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as Justine beat out teammate Aljun Melecio, Jerrick Ahanmisi of Adamson, and Prince Orizu of Far Eastern University for the Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week nod from the UAAP Press Corps.

Justine shared to the media after their game against the Red Warriors, "Trabaho lang kami sa training, at saka sa game." He added, "Sabi ni coach, huwag kaming mag-relax kahit UE kalaban namin."

La Salle head coach Louie Gonzalez is thrilled that Baltazar has stepped up to take on the challenge head on. He says, "Ngayon, china-challenge ko siya. Noong January pa lang, and now na talagang nailagay na siya sa limelight, it’s a change of lifestyle for him. It can’t be only na naglalaro siya ng basketball - he also has to take care of himself, and he has to take care of his nutrition, rest, and image." He adds, "I know this kid was just waiting for his time. And this is his time."

Balanza honored with Player of the Week nod

Letran did not need Jerrick Balanza to be on the court to make his presence felt last week.

Days after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Balanza's teammates were inspired to give him a fitting birthday present, a 99-82 victory against Arellano last Thursday.

After the game, head coach Jeff Napa shares, "Si Jerrick, hindi naman nawala sa team namin yan e. He's still part of the team."

He adds, "Kailangan intindihin namin ang health niya, pero yung presence niya sa dugout, sa ensayo, nandun pa rin yun."

The NCAA has united in rallying behind Balanza in his quest to recovery, with no less than their archrivals San Beda leading in well-wishes.

"We wish and pray for nothing but the best for Balanza," said head coach Boyet Fernandez, adding, "It's unfortunate and we wish for his fast recovery."

Teammate Bong Quinto is heartened by the gesture towards Jerrick, says, "Kailangan tayo ni Jerrick. Good thing naman na buong NCAA, kahit yung mga kalaban namin, nagkakaisa para makatulong kay Jerrick."

The NCAA Press Corps acknowledged Balanza's tremendous strength in his own battle and acting as an inspiration to the Knights by honoring him with the latest Chooks-To-Go Player of the Week nod.

With Jerrick still in need of assistance to ease off his financial obligations, donations are highly welcomed. Details below.

Bank: BDOBranch: BDO Intramuros
Account Name: Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Inc.
Account Number: ‎4500003129

Quinto, Bolick share Player of the Week nod

The NCAA Press Corps had a complication situation in their hands on Friday evening, as they had their deliberations to determine who was the Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week. And in the process of debating and discussing the merits, the group made the decision to have the citation shared by the two players with historic feats this week.

On Tuesday, Bong Quinto pulled off a triple-double against Mapua. He would contribute twelve points, ten rebounds, and eleven assists in under 28 minutes. Then on Friday, he would author another one against Emilio Aguinaldo College, producing eleven points, ten rebounds, and eleven assists. Both times resulted in victories for the Letran Knights, as they picked up the pieces from consecutive defeats against finals contenders San Beda and Lyceum.

Quinto's feat was last seen when current pros Calvin Abueva and Scottie Thompson were still representing San Sebastian and Perpetual, respectively.

According to Letran head coach Jeff Napa, "Bong Quinto is truly our leader. He is setting an example kaya nagiging maganda takbo namin." He adds, "If Bong plays well, everybody plays well. Ang maganda ay in-accept na niya yung pagiging leader ng team."

Then came Robert Bolick's outing against Arellano.

Just days after putting up eighteen points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block in a close loss to Lyceum, The Leyte native then made recent collegiate basketball history with a fifty-point outburst against the Chiefs, which turned out to be the second-highest scoring output in league history.

Only Lim Eng Beng's 55-point explosion from La Salle back when they were still in the NCAA was higher.

Reflecting on Bolick's feat, San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez shares, "You can't really compare Robert to anyone ‘cause iba-iba sila ng laro but again, nag-iisa lang ang Robert Bolick."

And after a very long deliberation, the Press Corps decided to have the citation shared between the two graduating players, beating out CJ Perez and Justin Gutang for the nod.

Ayaay named as the NCAA Player of the Week

With Lyceum's 25-game regular season winning streak on the line, MJ Ayaay made sure that it would not just end this past Friday against Letran.

With the Pirates trailing 76-65 with over six minutes remaining, the graduating forward helped steer the way forward, scoring six of his twenty points in the final stretch as he teamed up with CJ Perez to shake off the Knights and secure an 87-82 victory, allowing them to remain undefeated heading into their much-anticipated meeting with San Beda on Tuesday.

His efforts were noticed by the media outlets, as the NCAA Press Corps picked him to be the latest Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week awardee, beating out Kim Aurin, Javee Mocon, Jed Mendoza, and Justin Gutang.

MJ shared to the media that the pressure seemed to have gotten to the team as of late, "Ramdam na ramdam namin yung mga ibang team na gusto kaming talunin... Sabi ko lang sa kanila, enjoy lang. The past few games kami hindi na kami nag-iismile. Feeling namin palagi pagod kami at nakokontento kami. Kailangan lang namin i-enjoy yung laro."

Prince Eze claims Player of the Week nod

With the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta down by as much as 21 points against San Sebastian College-Recoletos in their home gym, Prince Eze made sure their home fans will not go home disappointed.

The Nigerian student-athlete led the comeback charge in the second half, reducing the lead to single digits by the end of the third quarter, then got themselves the chance to snatch the victory in their final offensive possession.

After Arjan dela Cruz tied the game with his triple 3.3 seconds remaining, Frankie Lim used his final timeout to move the ball to halfcourt and diagram a play, which turned out to be AJ Coronel lobbing it for Eze to then tip in the game-winner with half a second remaining.

When asked about that sequence, Prince shares, "I don't want to lose whatever it takes... I know if I tap the ball, I'm still gonna catch it back. So I went inside." He adds, "I mean, a win is a win. And we have to live with that," as he finished with 22 points, eighteen rebounds, and six blocks.

Such an effort did not go unnoticed with the NCAA Press Corps, who rewarded his feat with the latest Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week nod, beating out CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Bong Quinto, and Alvin Capobres for the honor.

Lim admitted after the game, "At halftime, I got mad actually... I told them, guys, it's not about the Xs and Os. It's about your desire to win."

JP Maguliano snaps up Player of the Week nod

In need of a spark, Ariel Sison dug deep into his bench that could lead to their breakthrough win in NCAA Season 94, and Emilio Aguinaldo College luckily found a diamond in the rough.

JP Maguliano showed out for the Generals last week in their 79-77 overtime win over San Sebastian, just days after being benched against San Beda earlier this week.

The Adamson transfer poured thirty points and seventeen rebounds in the victory, which netted him the Chooks-to-Go NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week nod, beating out CJ Perez, Bong Quinto, Javee Mocon and Robert Bolick.

The 19-year old Isabela native was a walk-on transfer, after he struggled balancing the student-athlete life with the Soaring Falcons. His path to find himself led him to nearby Emilio Aguinaldo College.

He shared to the media after the game, "Nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa kasi magtthird year nap o ako sa Adamson nun, nagkakabagsak pa ako. Parang wala ng patutunguhan." He adds, "Sabi ko, mag-tryout ako sa EAC. Pag pinalad, magffocus na ako dito.”

Maguliano hopes that this breakout performance is the start of a blossoming career in San Marcelino with EAC.

Calvo steps up to become Player of the Week

In a moment where the team needed him to lead, JP Calvo answered.

After Letran suffered a 78-75 loss to Perpetual in their season opener, Knights head coach Jeff Napa asked for his veterans to step up and take command.

And it showed in their 83-76 victory over San Sebastian last Friday, as Calvo shot 6/11 from the field on his way to sixteen points.

Such prowess and assertive on-court leadership garnered the attention of the media, as he is bestown as the Chooks-To-Go Player of the Week by the NCAA Press Corps.

JP shared after the game, "Kasi ang maganda lang dito nagtutulungan kami. Tinutulungan din nila ako kung paano ko sila dalhin." He also credited his teammates, noting, "Sa dulo, sila yung kakapitan ko. Nagtutulungan lang kami."

Napa shared that he met with Calvo and Bong Quinto in order to help steer the Knights back to the right track, "Kinausap ko yung dalawang veterans ko. Pinakata ko sa kanila yung bigger picture. Yung teammates nila sumunod naman sila," he says.

JP beat out Quinto, Ian Alban and Levi dela Cruz of Arellano, and Yankee Haruna of College of Saint Benilde for the citation.

Jaycee Marcelino secures first NCAA Season 94 POTW

With Emilio Aguinaldo College chasing Lyceum down after whittling a huge 31-point lead to just three at the end of the third quarter, Jaycee Marcelino made sure that the Pirates will not be victims of an upset from the Generals.

Last season's Rookie of the Year scored thirteen of his career-high 24 points in the final quarter to lead the team to a 106-97 win. He also collected eight rebounds, a couple of assists, and five steals in just over 25 minutes.

He shared with the media after the game, "Ayaw ko matalo eh kaya pinag-pursigihan kong magtrabaho sa court para maibalik namin ang lamang namin at manalo kami." Jaycee adds, "Yung mga ganitong laro, challenge ito sa amin para alam na namin ang dapat naming gawin pag ganito ulit ang nangyari."

Tandem that with his opening day performance of thirteen points, five rebounds, four assists, and a couple of steals to lead Lyceum to an 85-80 victory over San Sebastian, and it was not surprising that the NCAA Press Corps selected him as their first Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week for the season.

Marcelino would beat out teammate CJ Perez, Perpetual Help's Edgar Charcos, Mapua's Laurenz Victoria, San Sebastian's Michael Calisaan, and San Beda's Robert Bolick for the nod.

Kath Arado named as Player of the Week

Kath Arado's defense sparks the University of the East's offense. And her efforts last week got the attention of the different scribes, as she was named as the latest UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week.

In pulling off the 25-23 18-25 28-26 26-24 victory over the University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday, the libero contributed 32 excellent receptions and 28 digs, ensuring back-to-back victories for the Lady Warriors.

Interim head coach Rod Roque praised Arado's heroics, whose cat-quick reflexes and nose for the ball sparked UE's counterattacks against the Tigresses and league leading scorer Sisi Rondina, ensuring their first win against them in the Final Four era and their first back-to-back wins since Season 74.

"Eh No. 1 naman 'yan eh. No 1 'yan sa UAAP, No. 1 'yan sa puso namin." Roque shares about Arado, who is running neck and neck against La Salle's Dawn Macandili as the top libero in the league. He adds, "Kahit na sa practice nga eh, babalagbag 'yan. ‘Kath, okay ka lang ba?’ 'Opo okay pa po ako.' Pero kita mo 'yung pain sa mukha niya nandoon kasi bumalagbag na. Kath, you're No. 1, you're the one."

Arado shares, "Sa akin lang talaga, gusto ko talaga 'yung mabago talaga ang tingin nila sa UE. Noong unang game pa lang namin sa UAAP, 'yun talaga ang nasa isip ko na, ngayon na season na 'to, gusto ko talagang baguhin ang tingin nila sa UE, which is nangyayari naman talaga." She beat out her teammate Mary Anne Mendrez, Kianna Dy of La Salle, Tots Carlos of the University of the Philippines, and Jho Maraguinot of Ateneo.

Kianna Dy named as Player of the Week

In leading La Salle to a victory over arch-rivals Ateneo at the Mall of Asia Arena this past weekend, Kim Kianna Dy was bestown the latest Player of the Week nod by the UAAP Press Corps, over the University of the East duo of Shaya Adorador and Kath Arado, Far Eastern University captain Bernadeth Pons, National University captain Jaja Santiago, and Tots Carlos of the University of the Philippines.

Dy powered the defending champions to a 25-20 25-17 24-26 25-20 victory, contributing a season-high 21 points, off eleven spikes, seven blocks, and three aces. She had vowed to make up for her lackluster effort against Adamson, and her bounce back performance helped the Lady Spikers into a tie for second place in the standings at 5-2.

According to head coach Ramil de Jesus, Dy sent her a message apologizing for her performance and vowed to make up for it. De Jesus shares, "Eto naman, pinakita naman niya."

As for Dy, she says, "I think, coming from a loss kasi, kailangan talaga naming mag-bounce back. And we need to get that confidence again."

Jaja Santiago named as Player of the Week

Jaja Santiago was bestown the latest Player of the Week nod by the league's Press Corps, after helping National University maintain its unbeaten record. She beat out Cherry Rondina of the University of Santo Tomas, Jema Galanza of Adamson, and Michelle Cobb of La Salle for the weekly honor.

The Lady Bulldogs rode on her impressive performance to secure a couple of victories this week to keep their unblemished 3-0 record.

On Wednesday, Jaja fended off a game Ateneo de Manila side, erupting for twenty spikes, four blocks, and a couple of aces to help power NU past the Lady Eagles, 25-19 25-19 20-25 12-25 15-7. She followed that up against UE on Sunday, netting 23 points in dispatching the still winless Lady Warriors, 25-15 18-25 25-22 25-19.

Although both matches saw the Lady Bulldogs drop a set or two, she managed to keep the team steady as they refocus and regain their confidence to secure the wins.

Santiago is currently the second-best scorer in the league so far, averaging 21.7 points. Only Rondina has a higher average at over 23 points per game. She also is second in the league in blocks at .92, only behind La Salle's Majoy Baron.

NU head coach Babes Castillo credits Santiago for not only providing the numbers on the stat sheet, but also stepping up to the plate when the team needs her the most as their captain.

“I think their captain responded right on the dot on what the situation is asking for,” said Castillo on Santiago. “The team has to go with the captain. You listen to your captain. Kung ano sinabi ng captain, go with your captain. That's it.”

Jaja shares, "Sinabi ko lang sa teammates ko is, 'yun nga, sabi ni coach, kailangan natin ibalik 'yung tatlo, which is ‘yung deserved respect for every point, stay 100 percent whistle to whistle and communication sa loob ng court."

The Lady Bulldogs are set to prove their point as title contenders this weekend, as they face defending champions La Salle on Sunday.

Majoy Baron named as inaugural Women's Volleyball Player of the Week

La Salle team captain Majoy Baron was named as the first-ever Player of the Week in women's volleyball by the UAAP Press Corps during the opening weekend, beating out Jaja Santiago of National University, Diana Carlos of the University of the Philippines, and Toni Rose Basas of Far Eastern University.

The reigning UAAP MVP led the charge with nineteen points, broken down into twelve spikes, five blocks, and a couple of aces, as the defending champions fended off the University of Santo Tomas in a grueling five-setter match, 25-20 17-25 25-22 15-25 15-8.

With Kianna Dy limited due to a hyperextended left knee, La Salle rode on Baron's leadership and steadiness to outlast the Tigresses. According to head coach Ramil de Jesus, "Marami kaming ginawang adjustments before the game kasi nga si Kianna may iniinda pang injury. So, malaking bagay na very consistent 'yung nilaro ni Majoy." He adds, "Veteran na 'yan si Majoy so alam niya na ang reponsibilidad niya sa court. As team captain, lumalabas talaga 'yung leadership niya lalo na sa mga bata niyang teammates."

Majoy admits that this season will be more challenging than previous ones, as she shares, "For me, marami pang kulang like sa pagje-jell ng team. Hindi pa ito 'yung maibubuga pa namin. Kailangan pa naming mag-improve as a team. Magandang nangyari na ito 'yung five-setter game na challenge sa amin as a team."

Jerie Pingoy claims latest Player of the Week nod

Jerie Pingoy orchestrated his way to the latest UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week nod, presented by Chooks-to-Go, after his impressive performance for Adamson against the University of the Philippines.

The Soaring Falcons point guard scored fifteen points, with twelve of them in the second half. He also contributed eight assists with zero turnovers, four rebounds, and disrupted Maroon possessions with six steals, leading to a postseason-clinching 86-70 victory.

The former Baby Tamaraw and Blue Eagle shared to the media, "We really prepared for this game kasi Final Four na yung look-up namin. Follow lang sa system, we're blessed that we got this win." He has been averaging 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.5 steals this season.

After spending last season in residency after departing Ateneo, he has been a steadying force for Adamson on both ends of the floor, whether making clutch baskets and timely assists on offense or crucial swipes on defense. It has helped the Falcons secure the third seed in the upcoming postseason.

Head coach Franz Pumaren believes that Koko has yet to reach his full potential, noting that "We're scratching the surface of what he can do right now. If he will just follow what we're trying to teach him, I think he will be a better all-around player."

Pingoy beat out his teammate Papi Sarr, FEU guard Jasper Parker, and the usual suspects in La Salle big man Ben Mbala and Ateneo forward Thirdy Ravena for the weekly nod.