MANILA, Philippines – Close to 30 girls showed up for a tryout for a few slots for the two-time UAAP women’s volleyball champions Ateneo Lady Eagles last Monday, March 23, at the Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
What was supposed to be a tryout for 10 girls for the open libero position that was vacated by graduating senior and the season’s best receiver Denden Lazaro turned into an open tryouts as girls from different high schools turned up.
One such hopeful is De La Salle Zobel’s open spiker Felicia Cui.
“I was told that they (Ateneo) were looking for a libero,” said the pretty 17-year old. “I started playing volleyball when I was in Grade 6. I started out by playing libero but was converted into an open spiker later on. I applied for the libero position but was surprised when they put me in an open position. I think though I made up for that in my receiving. But I am really open to switching positions. Any position that they think is best for me and the team.”
Cui, who went to the tryouts in a Barcelona jersey, admitted that she follows the game of football as much as she can and cited Lionel Messi as her favorite player.
She attended the bonfire celebration for the Ateneo Lady Eagles last Saturday, March 21 and admitted she had fun. “They are a really good team that inspires a lot of people,” said Cui of the girls in blue and white. “I love them because despite being beasts on the court they are really nice and it’s really evident that they're all having fun with the game.”????
“Last Monday’s tryouts were actually really fun,” added the young hopeful. “I was nervous at first but I thought that might as well just enjoy every bit of it.”
In summary, Cui said, “I'm really trying to have as much options when it comes to college ball for me. As of now, it’s an open decision on where I'm heading.”