The NCAA Season 101 volleyball tournament has entered the crossover phase of the classification round, and as the competition intensifies, key players are stepping up to lead their squads.
In the women’s division, Lyceum of the Philippines University is hitting its stride after posting three consecutive victories to improve its record to 3–3.
Leading the charge for the Lady Pirates is graduating outside hitter Johna Dolorito, who has provided veteran leadership in her final season.
On February 6, Dolorito exploded for 26 points built on 24 attacks and two aces, while also tallying nine excellent digs, as LPU swept San Sebastian College–Recoletos, 28-26, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18.
She followed that performance with a double-double outing on February 8, registering 17 points from 12 attacks, three aces, and two blocks, alongside 15 excellent digs, as the Lady Pirates outlasted Mapua University in five sets, 25-13, 25-15, 23-25, 15-25, 15-13.
With Dolorito spearheading LPU’s resurgence, the graduating hitter was named the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week for women’s volleyball for the period of February 3 to 8, an award backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Dolorito edged out De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde’s Zam Nolasco, San Beda University’s Angel Habacon, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s Cyrille Almeniana for the weekly honor.
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Emilio Aguinaldo College is also finding its footing behind the strong play of fourth-year opposite hitter Jan Ruther Abor.
Abor entered Season 101 seeking redemption after his Season 100 campaign was cut short by an ankle sprain that forced him to miss the second round last year.
“Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanila na gusto ko makabawi. Since, ayun nga, sobrang na-down ako from last season,” Abor said.
(I always tell them I want to bounce back. Since then, I've been so down from last season.)
He has delivered on that promise, recording at least 30 points in three straight matches.
On February 1, Abor poured in 32 points to power EAC past Lyceum in four sets. He then erupted for 36 points against defending champion Arellano University in a five-set thriller, 24-26, 25-17, 25-27, 25-21, 15-11, finishing with 30 attacks, six blocks, and six digs on February 6.
Two days later, Abor tallied 30 points — 24 from attacks, five blocks, and one ace — serving as a silver lining in the Generals’ five-set defeat to Perpetual Help, 16-25, 25-9, 25-23, 24-26, 11-15.
For his stellar performances, Abor was named the men's NCAA Player of the Week for men’s volleyball, edging out San Beda’s Axel Van Book and Perpetual Help’s Klint Mateo and Marc Tangon. The weekly award is supported by minor sponsors Buffalo’s Wings ’N Things and Discovery Suites.
Despite his scoring outbursts, Abor remains focused on improvement.
“Kahit naka-30 points ako last time o maganda ’yung performance ko, hindi ko pa siya iniisip. Kasi the more na iniisip ko siya, the more na mawawala ako. Tuloy lang ako,” he said.
(Even if I had 30 points last time, or I have a good performance, I don't think about it. Because the more I think about it, the more I'll lose it. I just keep going.)
—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News
