FORMER La Salle standout Mika Reyes took a step closer in earning a spot to the national women’s volleyball team that’s going to see action in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.
She won the admiration of national head coach Francis Vicente not only for her sterling performance Pilipinas Blue Team but for her big heart last Monday in one of the two charity games of the “Clash of Heroes.”
Reyes struck with 17 points and helped top scorer Frances Molina lead Blue past Pilipinas Red, 19-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-15, 15-10, at The Arena in San Juan.
Earlier, Team Blue also won over Team Red, 25-27, 25-23, 25-19, 18-25, 15-9, in the men’s match, and with Johnvic de Guzman leading with 19 points.
After being handled by Ramil de Jesus during her college days with La Salle, the 5’11” middle hitter said she is ready to submit to the instructions of coaches other than who have handled her in the past.
“It’s time for me to grow at makipag-interact and makipag-communicate sa iba’t ibang teammates and coaches,” said the 22-year-old Reyes.
Reyes rose to the occasion in the fourth set, with her attacks and blocks past Jaja Santiago allowing Team Blue to move out of range after Team Red threatened at 13-15.
Two of her attacks saw Blue taking an 18-13 cushion.
Another teammate, Shaya Adorador, chipped in 13 and also left good impressions.
Team Blue also got impressive showings from CJ Rosario, Roselle Baliton and Lourdes Clemente, who combined for 15 points.
Vicente also is also looking into the game of Bia General, who tallied 11 digs and 30 excellent receptions.
For Pilipinas Red, it was Jaja Santiago, who led with 19 points and 11 digs while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Gen Casugod and Rhea Dimaculangan provided eight apiece.
Vicente said he appreciated the efforts of the players who showed up.
“Humahanga ako sa ganyang mga player na binibigyan ng time ‘yung kapag sinabi mong for flag they’re there to support the flag,” said Vicente.
There were players who did show up. These include Premier Volleyball League players Alyssa Valdez of Creamline, Grethcel Soltones of BaliPure and the Pocari Sweat tandem Elaine Kasilag and Myla Pablo.
The four were not allowed by their club teams to join the fund-raising event.
The charity served as the national pool’s last scrimmage before the announcement of the 18-woman lineup SEA Games,
On the other hand, Cignal players Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis are in training for a Asian Club tournament while F2 Logistics stars Kim Fajardo, Kim Dy, Dawn Macandili and Aby Marano are in Batangas for the team building.
Vicente, who said he was informed of their absence, will announce the final 18-women lineup within the week.