UAAP: La Salle's Lilay del Castillo stands tall in dominant display against Ateneo

The term “Taft Towers” has long been used to describe one of the most integral assets of any De La Salle University women’s volleyball squad.

From the legendary names of Aby Maraño, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Thea Gagate and Fifi Sharma, all of whom have etched their names in La Salle sports history, the Lady Spikers have had an abundance of great middle blockers helping them in their title charges.

This season, Lilay del Castillo is starting to make a name for herself alongside the Lady Spikers’ aspirations of winning the collegiate crown yet again.

Not being utilized as much during her first couple of years under head coach Ramil De Jesus’ stable, the third-year player has developed behind the scenes to become an integral piece in DLSU’s core.

In La Salle’s fourth game of the season, where it faced rival Ateneo de Manila University, Del Castillo announced herself to the whole tournament, chalking up 18 points on seven attacks, three service aces, and a monstrous eight blocks; the most out of any Lady Spiker since Celine Hernandez’s nine-block outing in Season 70.

To Del Castillo, her best performance in a La Salle uniform to date is extra motivation to perform for her team even more.

“It’s something na mababaon ko sa sarili ko kasi I’ve been looking for something to hold on to…So parang ito, everytime na manghihina ako or like I feel hindi ko siya kayang gawin, ito 'yung something na panghahawakan ko,” said Del Castillo.

Moreover, the middle blocker gave assurance to her team and Lasallian faithful that they could expect more of the same stellar displays moving forward.

“Being proud is an understatement kasi hindi ko masyadong naa-acknowledge 'yung mga ginagawa ko eh. Lagi kong iniisip, parang dapat lang, parang dapat ganon 'yung contribution ko, kasi part na ako ng core ng team. Ginawa ako ganun ng coaches, trinain ako ng ganun ng mga ate," said Del Castillo.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News