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There's this saying that the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.

This is true in the case of Lorraine Barias, team captain of the Mapua Lady Cardinals women's volleyball team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

“I was influenced by my father who is also a volleyball player,” said Lorraine.

“I started playing when I was in Grade 4. I was eight years old at that time and parang saling-ketket lang.”

Lorraine or Yen would further hone her skills enough to earn a spot as an open spiker for the volleyball squad of Mapua University.

One of her memorable games happened in Season 95 against Emilio Aguinaldo College where she poured in 20 points while also asserting herself on defense with 28 digs under her stats.

Lorraine and the rest of the Lady Cardinals are hoping to have a strong Season 96 once it officially starts this year.

But first, let's get to know Lorraine better and some of her interests outside the sport of volleyball.

She sews and alters her clothes

Photo by: Lorraine Barias

We know that Lorraine is good at volleyball, but did you know that she can sew and crochet like a pro?

“Mananahi po kasi 'yong lola ko and we have a dry goods store [at] Imus Public Market,” Lorraine said.

“When I was a kid tinuturuan na po ako ng lola at tita ko and nakikita ko po 'yong mga ginagawa nila.

“Lagi po akong pinapagalitan ni lola kasi I always cut my clothes to make a wallet or a bag.

“I learned the hard way kasi po there was a time na nagpa-practice ako to use the manual sewing machine then I accidentally put my finger under the needle and punctured it. But that didn't stop me.”

Lorraine can make bags, small pillows, bikini tops (she loves going to the beach), and even alters her own clothes.

ML, anyone?

Photo by: Lorraine Barias

Lorraine likes to play online games particularly Mobile Legends and Valorant.

She's not an avid gamer, though, and would prefer to watch movies and series on Netflix instead. She is a big Grey's Anatomy fan.

Student-athlete routine

Photo by: Lorraine Barias

Before the pandemic struck, Lorraine follows a grueling schedule, common among student-athletes who have to juggle academics with sports activities.

She is taking up Bachelor of Science in Educational Technology.

“I jog with my team at 6:00 a.m. then go to class at 9:00 a.m., which also depends on my class schedule.

“We then train again from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. I sometimes have class right after our afternoon training.

“We do not really have a consistent routine because our class schedule changes every three months.”

Push the tempo

Photo by: Lorraine Barias

The Lady Cardinals like to start their warm-up sessions with Zumba in full volume to get everyone pumped up.

“What I love about my team is that we treat each other as family,” Lorraine said about the Lady Cardinals.

“After a game, win or lose, we always have a team talk to discuss matters that need to be addressed. We also eat out together.”

Her favorite Kapuso star

Photo by: Lorraine Barias

Lorraine, admittedly, doesn't watch a lot of local TV shows. She's not an avid fan of any Pinoy celebrity except maybe for one.

“I follow Gabbi Garcia on Instagram,” she mentioned.

“I find her very pretty and she seems nice.”

Lorraine is charming and talented in her own right. Would she ever entertain the thought of joining show business if an offer comes up?

“Shy type po ako,” she laughed. “Volleyball na lang po.”

Root for Lorraine and the rest of the Mapua Lady Cardinals in Season 96 of the NCAA airing soon on GMA News TV and other Kapuso channels.

Viewers residing abroad can catch the games via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.