La Salle retires Lady Spiker’s jersey number

MANILA, Philippines – Manilla Santos made history Friday after becoming the first volleyball player and female athlete that had her jersey number retired by the De La Salle University. Santos, a member of La Salle’s UAAP champion women’s volleyball team, had her jersey retired in simple ceremonies held at the Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory in La Salle-Manila’s campus. She now joins basketball players Kurt Bachmann (33), Lim Eng Beng (14), and Renren Ritualo (4) whose jersey numbers were retired by the university. La Salle bestowed Santos the honor after she helped the Lady Archers win four UAAP women’s volleyball titles. As team captain this season, she was named the league’s most valuable player and best receiver while also leaving the school with another UAAP crown. She also led La Salle to three Shakey’s V-League titles while also bagging the most improved player award in the second conference of the second season. “It is such a rare accolade for a non-basketball athlete to receive recognition this early. This does not come often," said La Salle’s UAAP board representative Bro. Bernard Oca, FSC. Oca said that some athletes do not get bestowed while in school and may take years after graduation before being hailed. He, however, pointed out Santos’ talent, commitment and leadership she exhibited while playing for the green and white. In one season where Santos had a shoulder injury, she played libero, a position that was vastly different from her usual role as an attacker. “We are very proud of Illa," said La Salle sports development office director Edwin Reyes. “We would not argue this case (retiring her jersey). She is an exemplary athlete and a model Lasallian." Santos was surprised to see the tarpaulin unfurled, which would later hang at the Enrique Razon Sports Center’s rafters. This commendation was part of the end of the year thanksgiving celebration for the athletes. Current Green Archers that participated and performed well in other local and international events were recognized as well as athletes who did well in academics. Among those cited are PJ Tierro and Irwin De Guzman in lawn tennis and John Paul Gomez and Aices Salvador in chess. – GMANews.TV