Rookie Vida Caringal played quality minutes for head coach Ramil de Jesus as the DLSU Lady Spikers swept round 1 of UAAP Season 88 with their win over NU.
Vida Caringal stepped up to the plate in La Salle’s biggest game of the season, helping the Lady Spikers score a four-set victory over the NU Lady Bulldogs at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 15.
Caringal had played sparingly for head coach Ramil de Jesus in La Salle’s first six games, but was given the opportunity against NU as Lilay del Castillo was under the weather.
Inserted in the starting lineup, Caringal made the most of her playing time and contributed to La Salle's winning cause with a solid nine points.
“Syempre po, it’s a big privilege na pinagkatiwalaan ako ni coach Ramil na kaya ko mag-perform and lumaban para sa team,” Caringal said after the match.
“So kumuha na lang po ako ng kumpyansa doon.”
Caringal is only the latest La Salle rookie to her her presence felt this season as the Lady Spikers look to regain the UAAP title.
Prior to Caringal, wing spiker Mikee Santos also stepped up to the spotlight when team captain Shevana Laput battled illness earlier this season, while Eshana Nunag continues to star as the team's lead setter.
For Caringal, it's not just about filling in for a player who is out, but also about playing her own game.
“First of all po, tinitignan ko siya as not like taking a spot. Kasi may nagsabi rin sa akin na I’m not supposed to fill one shoes, I have a shoe of my own and I’ll walk with it,” she said.
“So pumasok lang po ako sa game with that mindset.”
After their first-round sweep, the Lady Spikers return to action next Saturday, March 21, putting their 7-0 record on the line against the Adamson Lady Falcons.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.