MANILA, Philippines — With the UAAP Season 88 volleyball preliminaries nearing an end, standout performances from both veterans and rookies continue to shape the race to the Final Four and beyond.
Ateneo de Manila University stalwart Jian Salarzon and De La Salle University rookie Eshana Nunag rose to the occasion for their respective teams, helping them deliver crucial wins from April 8 to 12 to earn Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Players of the Week honors, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Nunag, for her part, has consistently showcased her poise and precision in orchestrating the Lady Spikers’ offense, proving to be a vital piece as the Taft-based squad secured the top spot in the standings with an unblemished 12-0 record.
In their straight-set victory over Ateneo, Nunag tallied 22 excellent sets along with two points.
Earlier in the week, she logged a composed performance in their five-set escape against Far Eastern University, dishing out 30 excellent sets to steer her squad to victory.
When asked what she needs to improve on while helping La Salle maintain its perfect run, Nunag said she wants her teammates to rely on her more instead of the other way around.
“Siguro, something to improve on din po is ’yung pagbitbit ko sa sarili ko na they can rely on me more imbis na ako po ’yung laging umaasa sa kanila,” the rookie setter told the media after their win against the Blue Eagles.
With the Lady Spikers already securing a Final Four spot and the top seed, Nunag remained focused, choosing to take things one game at a time rather than putting pressure on herself by looking too far ahead.
“Iniisip lang din po namin lagi is ’yung elims po is just a number, and each game, dapat iniisip din po namin ’yung nothing to lose — na ilaro lang din po namin with no heavy burden sa shoulders namin.”
Nunag edged out fellow La Salle standouts Angel Canino and Amie Provido, along with Adamson University’s Shaina Nitura, Frances Mordi, and Fhei Sagaysay, National University’s Vange Alinsug, and FEU’s Gerz Petallo for the weekly citation supported by Discovery Suites and Buffalo Wings N’ Things.
On the men’s side, Ateneo captain Jian Salarzon led from the front, powering the Blue Eagles with his all-around play to strengthen their Final Four bid, as they are just one win away from sealing their spot.
He posted back-to-back double-double performances — 13 points, 15 excellent receptions, and eight digs in their five-set thriller against University of the Philippines, and 21 points, 18 receptions, and four digs in their straight-set win over La Salle.
Following their emotional sweep victory against the Green Spikers, Salarzon expressed his pride in the Ateneo squad as they inch closer to a Final Four return after seven years.
“Inisip ko talaga na kailangan kong mag-all-out, kailangan kong ibuhos na lahat para sa team para ma-secure namin ’yung spot sa Final Four,” he said.
Despite their success, Salarzon shared that the team continues to be reminded by their coaching staff to avoid complacency heading into their crucial upcoming games.
“Sa training, lagi talaga silang nagre-remind na ’wag maging complacent. ’Yung kalaban is kalaban pa rin ’yan. Lalaban at lalaban pa rin ’yan sa laro.”
Salarzon bested teammates Amil Pacinio and Lance De Castro, as well as University of Santo Tomas’ Josh Ybañez and Gboy De Vega, and FEU’s Mikko Espartero. TMT