NCAA athletes and coaches are looking forward to the NCAA Season 98 All-Star Volleyball Game slated for Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The All-Star Game will have Arellano University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and Mapua University forming Team Heroes, while Team Saints will be composed mostly by players from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
"Na-excite po [ako] kasi first time kong lalaro sa All-Star," Season 98 Most Valuable Player Mary Rhose Dapol told GMA Integrated News.
#NCAASeason98 MVP Mary Rhose Dapol said training under champion coach Jerry Yee is one of the things she is excited for in the All-Star Game! pic.twitter.com/WGXfp0y0X4
— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) April 21, 2023
The Perpetual star also said she is looking forward to train under champion coach Jerry Yee of Benilde. "Na-excite po ako kasi gusto ko po kung paano maging coach si Coach Jerry sa loob ng court," she added.
("I'm excited because this is the first time I'm playing in an All-Star... I'm also excited to see what it's like to have Coach Jerry as your coach inside the court.")
Team Heroes' Syd Niegos, meanwhile, said she was "overwhelmed" to be a part of the All-Star Game for her last official NCAA event.
"Nakaka-overwhelm maging part ng All-Star team. Ito na ang last game ko sa NC. Masaya po ako na kasali po ako sa All-Star," the graduating Niegos said.
("It's overwheling to be part of the All-Star team. This will be my last game in the NC. I'm happy that I'm part of the All-Star.")
The JRU veteran also said she looks forward to playing with Season 93 MVP Shola Alvarez.
"Nung last playing year niya po, papasok pa lang po ako, di po kami nag-abot. Excited po ako na makalaro siya sa actual game," Niegos added.
("In her last playing year, I was only just coming in. We didn't get the chance to play with each other. I'm excited to play with her in the actual game.")
Benilde's head coach, Yee, will call the shots for Team Saints who will have Dapol, Cha Cuñada, KJ Dionisio, Chynna Castillo, Zam Nolasco, NCAA alumni Alyssa Eroa, Cesca Racraquin, Janine Navarro, Entezar Bangcola, NCAA courtside reporter Chase Orozco, and Sparkle artists Shaira Diaz and Lyra Micolob.
Yee feels his team has the better chances heading into the game.
"I told them nga na nasa atin 'yung MVP and beach volleyball champions, so maganda 'yung chances," the champion coach said.
("I told them we have the MVP and the beach volleyball championships, so our chances our good.")
Meanwhile, Team Heroes will be composed of Niegos, Jen Omapas, Zonxi Dahab, Nicole Ong, Trina Abay, NCAA alumni Alvarez, Yvone Reyes, Ciarnelle Wanta, Jonina Fernandez, Regine Arocha, NCAA broadcast panelist Kara Acevedo-Ong, and Kapuso artists Cassy Legaspi and Angela Alarcon, and will be coached by LPU head tactician Cromwell Garcia.
"Parang expectations-wise, kumbaga gusto lang namin makita na mag-enjoy sila sa gagawin namin and mai-showcase ang talent na meron sila," Garcia said.
("Expectations-wise, we just want the players to enjoy what we do and showcase the talent that they have.")
Will he have the upper hand in the game against his recent Finals opponent Yee?
"Titingnan natin kung makakabawi ako sa kanya sa All-Star Game," Garcia said in jest.
("We'll see if I can get back at him in the All-Star Game.")
Catch the game this Sunday, April 23, 2023, 2:00 p.m., live on GTV and via livestream at the NCAA Philippines and GMA Sports PH pages.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
