Getting booed by crowd nothing new for La Salle's Mika Reyes

The Lady Spikers sing their alma mater hymn as they celebrate their Game 1 win. Photo by KC CRUZ, GMA News

Whenever Mika Reyes is on deck to serve on Saturday, she elicits two reactions from the crowd — loud cheers from the sea of green on one side, and passionate boos from the sea of blue on the other.

It is easy to understand the Ateneo crowd's animosity towards La Salle's veteran middle blocker. 

Reyes has been a thorn on their side ever since the first round with her ability to foil Alyssa Valdez's attacks, and she plays with a swagger that gets under the skin of opposing fans.

The 20-year-old Lady Spiker, however, said getting booed is nothing new for her in the five years she's been playing in the UAAP.

"Actually hindi siya bago sa akin. Ever since first year palang ako, ganun na talaga sila sa 'kin," she said about the crowd. 

"As a player naman, hindi ko siya tine-take seriously." 

Reyes tormented the Ateneo fans after getting six of La Salle's 13 blocks Game One of the Women's Volleyball finals, which saw the Lady Eagles bow down in straight sets.

The die-hard supporters tried to get back at her as much as they can during the game, but she said she doesn't really mind what they do from the stands.

"Kahit sino namang crowd, kahit sinong opponent, gagawin talaga nila. It's their way na para i-cheer 'yung school nila," she said. 

"Ako wala naman akong kaso dun. Ganun lang talaga sila."

Reyes said she also uses their jeering to fuel her play and give her energy to fight inside the court.

"Take it as a challenge na lang din. Syempre i-convert mo siya since part talaga 'yun ng game lalo na sa rivalry ng Ateneo-La Salle," she said. — APG, GMA News