MANILA, Philippines – During the De La Salle Lady Spikers’ 3-set victory over the Ateneo Lady Eagles in Game 1 of the UAAP women’s volleyball finals, Mika Reyes was on the receiving end of boos from the opposing crowd whenever she lined up to serve.
Reyes finished with one of her best performance of the season with 13 points - 6 blocks, 6 spikes, and an ace - as DLSU moved a win closer to attaining the title.
After the game, the fifth-year veteran said she’s not new to that kind of reception from the opposition.
“Actually hindi siya bago saakin,” Reyes said about the boos. “Ever since first year, and ever since rookie year palang ako, ganon na talaga sila saakin.”
(Actually, it's not new to me. Ever since my first year, my rookie year, they've been like that to me.)
Reyes, however, indicated that she doesn’t take the jeers personally and accepted that it’s part of playing in a game where school loyalty is prominent in the stands.
“And syempre, as a player naman, hindi ko siya tini-take seriously. Kahit sino naman crowd, kahi sinong opponent, gaganon ka talaga.
(Of course as a player, I don't take it personally. Whatever crowd, whatever opponents, that's the reception you'll get.)
“It’s their way na para i-cheer yung school nila. So ako, wala naman akong caso duon. Ganon lang talaga sila.”
(That's their way to cheer for their school. So for me, I don't have a case against that. That's really how they are.)
Reyes’ net defense was integral to DLSU’s win. La Salle out-scored Ateneo 75-65 overall and 13-2 in the blocks category, which essentially provided the difference in the final output. – Rappler.com