Look, it’s impossible to fit all the outstanding players in a single 8-point list. It would be unfair to feature only a few of the UAAP Season 84 standouts so we made another.

This time, let’s take a look at the somehow ~unsung heroes~ of their own teams who contributed significantly in their blocks, sets, and receives. It’s really hard to cut the long list of superstars from eight universities but here we go. These girls also have the potential to fly high in the international scene. With rigorous training and more time to upskill, these names would 100% elevate the level of Philippine volleyball.

Here’s another set of eight exceptional volleybelles who’ve got our attention:

1. Alyssa Solomon (NU)

I mean, the whole NU squad is in a league of its own. These feisty bulldogs are at their peak and Alyssa Solomon is just one of their stellar rookies. This 6-footer is more than just her height because she’s also got the might. With her smart and sharp hits, she makes volleyball look so easy. Her high volleyball IQ plus her high reach thwarted all the blockers that got in her way. Because of her long hang time, she could vary her spikes and startle opponents. She won Best Opposite Spiker of the conference. Yes, behind her innocent look is a monster in the court!

2. Jennifer Nierva (NU)

This 5’7 libero never lets the ball touch the floor. You wouldn’t expect such solid defense from a sweet-looking girl like her but she delivered! Jen could easily read the attacks of their opponents and always knew where to position herself. She definitely gave her all this season no matter how many falls and runs it took her for a single point. She made the life of their setter so easy with her consistent digs and receives. NU wouldn’t be the undefeated queens they are without her. With her superb performance, no one was surprised when she bagged the Best Libero award.

3. Camille Lamina (NU)

Another girl who made magic for NU’s 16-0 run is their prized setter. She was the key player this season as she knew how to shuffle their spikers to stun their rivals. Her fast and low sets gave every team a hard time reading NU’s attacks. Blockers couldn’t anticipate where the ball was coming from because of her swift sets. Her ball control was just unmatched. She would definitely go a long way and get herself among the list of all-time best setters in the country. The UAAP named her the Best Setter of the conference and what more can we say? DESERVE!

4. Thea Gagate (DLSU)

This 6’2 lady archer challenged everyone on the net. She holds a lot of promise not only in her defense but she can also give thunderous spikes a la Majoy Baron. She was always on her A-game and led DLSU back to finals. Everyone lost count on the number of single blocks she had after dominating almost everyone who tried to break her defense. She got the classic Lasallian spirit in her bones, no questions that she nabbed the 1st Best Middle Blocker of the season.

5. Roma Doromal (ADMU)

She is Ateneo’s game changer. With her excellent digs and receives, the lady eagles got their ticket to the Final Four. She gave everything and she was everywhere on the court. From pancake to one-hand saves, she didn’t let the ball go down. Attackers had a hard time scoring a point because she was always ready. She’s got the makings of the new iron eagle! Roma has four more playing years and we cannot wait to see more of her in the coming tournaments.

6. Bernadette Pepito (UST)

​She is UST’s lethal libero. This multi-awarded player since high school is making a name for herself at the collegiate level. Her consistency in defense made it easy for the tigresses to book a seat in the Final Four. She showed her efficiency in reading opponents’ attacks at crucial times. This girl knew where to go and get a good catch of every volleyball thrown on their side. Yup, she’s a rookie but she played like a veteran already. Give her more time to grow and she will be the roaring tigress that she’s meant to be.

7. Trisha Genesis (AdU)

Although the lady falcons fell short this season, we couldn’t help but notice this girl. She led their surprise victory against Ateneo during the eliminations with her monstrous performance. Trisha worked hard and showed her hitting prowess in every match she played. This feisty falcon became the team’s scoring machine and we cannot wait to witness her growth in the next conference. She would definitely give her all to get Adamson into the Final Four!

8. Alyssa Bertolano (UP)

This 19-year-old rookie is already a deadly spiker. She moves like a pro and her approach is spine-chilling. Her attacks weren’t just powerful but were always well-thought-of. She knew how to vary her hits and when to drop spikes. With her promising performance, UP can rise up and come back stronger in the next season.

May these young athletes continue training and growing. And yes, we have to reiterate that the future of Philippine volleyball is shining brighter than ever. The season break would surely level up their skills and we cannot wait to see their progress in the coming years. We would be waiting for them to represent the country and snatch a crown internationally!

ICYMI, here’s part 1:

Whoops, did we miss your favorite (again)? Drop their names in the comment section, we might actually have a part three!