Mika Reyes, Ara Galang happy to leave legacy for La Salle

photo by KC CRUZ, GMA News

Mika Reyes and Ara Galang cemented their place in La Salle volleyball lore after dethroning the Ateneo Lady Eagles and claiming the championship in the UAAP Season 78 on Saturday.

The two players entered the league five years ago and tasted the joy of winning a title in their rookie and sophomore years, but they were devastated by finals defeats the following two years after falling at the hands of Alyssa Valdez and Ateneo.

And now that they helped the Lady Spikers return to their former glory, Galang and Reyes felt accomplished to become champions in the final year of their collegiate volleyball careers.

"Siyempre ito 'yung parang maiiwan namin sa team e. 'Yun na 'yung mark," said Galang, who missed the finals series last season after going down with a knee injury in the semis.

Reyes, meanwhile, said they were only paying it forward to their juniors after experiencing victory in their early years thanks to their senior teammates.

"Parang ang sarap din kasi ng first namin, rookie year namin, iniwanan sa amin ng seniors," she said. "Siyempre ngayong seniors kami, hindi namin hahayaan na hindi rin namin magagawa 'yun sa mga bata."

Head coach Ramil De Jesus was also happy for his two graduating players especially with the tournament becoming so competitive this season.

"Very proud ako sa kanila kasi since nung nag-start nung after season 77, nakita nila kung gaano kasakit 'yung matalo," he said.

"Pinaghandaan talaga nila, nakatatak sa puso nila, sa isip nila, 'yung dapat nilang gawin. So itong year na 'to talagang hindi sila magpapatalo," he added. — APG, GMA News