Mika’s Super Six
Reyes recalls biggest UAAP adversaries
Mika Reyes is arguably one of the best middle blockers ever to see action in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Her defensive brilliance, strong court presence and all-around leadership propelled De La Salle University to win three titles in Seasons 74, 75 and 78.
True enough, she successfully transitioned from the collegiate level to the Philippine Superliga (PSL), where she emerged with titles, Best Middle Blocker awards and even a slot in the Magnificent 7 that saw action in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship. But the road to success wasn’t easy. She also had her own share of challenges as she worked her way up from an oft-forgotten player at the end of the bench into one of the crucial pieces on defense. And her collegiate struggles could be credited to these six players:
AMY AHOMIRO
5’10
Middle hitter
Ateneo de Manila University
New Zealand-born Ahomiro was regarded as one of the most reliable and talented middle blockers in the UAAP. Her quickness, unbelievable power and volleyball IQ turned her into the cornerstone of Ateneo’s back-to-back title runs during seasons 76 and 77, the school’s first two crowns since joining the league in 1978. These titles got even better when the 5-foot-10 Ahomiro was hailed as the Season 77 Finals Most Valuable Player after she normed 8.5 points in a two-game series against their archrival La Salle.
The plum served as proof that Ahomiro had blossomed from seldom-used bench player to a key cog for the Lady Eagles.
For Reyes, it is just fitting to include the lefty Ahomiro in the shortlist of her toughest UAAP opponents.
“I really find it hard facing her because she’s a left-handed player and she’s also a middle blocker,” said Reyes, who is now playing with Ahomiro at Sta. Lucia squad in the PSL.
“It’s really tough to read and defend a left-handed middle blocker.”
BERNADETH PONS
5’7
Outside Spiker
Far Eastern University
Reyes may have played with Bernadeth Pons at Petron in the PSL, but the admiration was always there, which was developed during their time against each other in the UAAP.
Reyes said Pons was one of her most hated foes in college due to her tenacity on both ends of the court.
Pons failed to win a UAAP title, but she was able to establish herself as one of the most prolific scorers of this generation, thanks to her leaping ability, quick decisionmaking and strong kills.
“She can read the situation very well while in the air,” Reyes said.
“There would even be times where I would think that she will go for a cross-court hit but mid-air, she will change her attack to down-the-line spikes.”
ROSEMARIE VARGAS
5’8
Outside Spiker
Far Eastern University
She may be an unheralded player in the UAAP, but for Reyes, former Far Eastern University recruit Rosemarie Vargas made her life complicated at least during her first year in the league.
“I remember during my rookie year, her attacks were really powerful,” Reyes said.
“She just hits the ball whenever she likes to. And during that time, I am just new to the league so
I don’t really have the grasp yet of different kinds of attackers.”
The 5-foot-8 Vargas was once a potent and reliable scorer in the league who had actually won Season 75 Best Scorer award and bested rising stars like Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo and Ara Galang of La Salle and Maika Ortiz of University of Santo Tomas.
She, however, decided to forego her last playing year and jumped into commercial leagues where she would even prove her might and vigor.
Nonetheless, Reyes still paid the highest respect to Vargas, whom she found to be one of the toughest players she faced in UAAP.
PAU SORIANO
5’7
Middle Blocker Adamson University
Before the advent of promising middle blockers like Jaja and Dindin Santiago, Maddie Madayag and Majoy Baron, there was this quick and intimidating tower from Adamson University in Pau Soriano. She played for the Lady Falcons from 2008 to 2012 and served as their skipper from 2011 to 2012. Just in her sophomore year, the 5-foot-7 Soriano was awarded as Season 72 Best Attacker and when Reyes made it to the UAAP in Season 74, Soriano was already at the tailend of her collegiate career. Still, Reyes vividly recalled how her senior Soriano made her work hard for every point. “She’s not at zero tempo. Her attacks were always first tempo,” Reyes said. “Coaches would always instruct me to guard her well.”
JAJA SANTIAGO
6’4
Middle Blocker/Outside Spiker National University
Jaja Santiago is hands-down one of the finest players the UAAP has ever produced.
Her collegiate career with National University was overflowing with highlights and awards. Although she failed to win a UAAP title, she went to have a successful professional stint that even brought her to the prestigious V.Premier League in Japan.
That’s why it didn’t come as a surprise that Reyes included her in her Super Six.
“I always wanted to block her spikes but it was hard getting the right timing against her,” Reyes said.
“But right now, she has really improved a lot from the days we would go up against each other in the UAAP.”
Santiago had always been a force in the collegiate ranks.
She emerged as the top rookie during Season 76 on top of four Best Attacker plums before wrapping up her UAAP stint with a Season Most Valuable Award in Season 80.
For Reyes, Santiago is so talented that she can get the best out of anyone she faces on the court.
JIA MORADO
5’7
Setter
Ateneo de Manila University
For her wit and quick decision-making, Jia Morado earned Reyes’ admiration. The former Ateneo playmaker played a central role in the iconic rivalry between the Lady Eagles and Lady Spikers and was often regarded as one of the best playmakers of this era.
She played with Reyes in the national team that saw action in the Southeast Asian Games in Manila, where they further developed mutual friendship. “We’re friends,” Reyes said.
“She is very smart with the ball and always things two steps ahead of all of us. If you don’t know her, she would definitely pull a trick on you. She’s definitely one of the best players I ever faced.”