It’s been weeks since the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Tournament kicked off, and so far, it’s been full of unexpected twists and turns. The Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons have shown an impeccable performance, with Season 85 looking to be one of their best seasons yet. Meanwhile, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers won over the defending champs, National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, in three straight sets. No matter which team you’re rooting for, it’s clear that each player is committed to giving their best, win or lose. 

As a new round of games begins, we’re putting the spotlight on rookie volleybelles that wowed us on the court. Take a look!

Angel Canino of the DLSU Lady Spikers

After their first-runner-up finish last season, DLSU Lady Spikers are ready to bring home the crown to Taft. Aside from veterans like Thea Gagate and Jolina Dela Cruz, rookie Lady Spiker Angel Canino is making a name for herself.

She tallied an impressive career-high of 23 points against their archrival Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Lady Eagles, where the Lady Spikers came out triumphant in a three-straight set victory. But are we surprised? She’s currently the best scorer in the league after tallying 112 points in seven games! If that’s not impressive to you, we don’t know what is. 

Trisha Tubu of the AdU Lady Falcons

The AdU Lady Falcons are yet to win their first-ever UAAP Women’s Volleyball crown, but the squad won’t stop at anything to get it. Lefty spiker Trisha Tubu is rising to the occasion as one of the team’s go-to players. From her high-leaping ability and explosive spikes to steady floor defense, Tubu makes volleyball look so easy. Currently, she’s ranked 5th (alongside ADMU Lady Eagle’s Faith Nisperos) in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Best Scorers category with 96 points. Continue to soar high, Tubu!

Vangie Alinsug of the NU Lady Bulldogs

Although the NU Lady Bulldogs are still intact, roster-wise, the addition of Vangie Alinsug boosts the team’s firepower to defend their UAAP crown. The rookie Lady Bulldog knows how to utilize the court by hammering attacks in various directions to score. Although she’s not part of the regular starting line-up, Alinsug possesses the makings of another go-to scorer for the reigning champs.

Regina Jurado of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses

Lefty opposite hitter Regina Jurado may be a rookie, but her skills, perseverance, and passion inside the court say otherwise. She’s been sharing the scoring load with veteran Eya Laure and was hailed as UAAP Player of the Game two times! The UST Lady Tigresses already had two five-setter games so far, and Jurado has put out impressive numbers in both matches.

Alyzza Devosora of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws

The Lady Tamaraws ended last season with a 1-13 win-loss record, and they’re on a mission to bring back FEU’s glory days in women’s volleyball. Alyzza Devosora is one of the newest additions to the squad, and she’s proved that she can keep up with UAAP’s best of the best. Devosora pulled off 13 points against ADMU Lady Eagles alongside fellow newcomers Mitzi Panangin and Marga Encarnacion. She also scored double digits in the UST vs. FEU match-up. Way to go, Devosora!

Geezel Tsunashima of the ADMU Lady Eagles

The Lady Eagles are off to a rocky first round, with only three wins under their belt. But they could still turn things around with the rookie opposite hitter Geezel Tsunashima. She may not be the tallest on the team, but Tsunashima has the power and steady defense that makes her an effective player. We’re hoping to see more of her this second round!

Nikha Cabasac of the University of The Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons

The fight continues for the UP Lady Maroons in the second round of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball tournament. Newly recruited player Nikha Cabasac is ready to help her squad improve its track record. She’s no stranger to the fast-paced atmosphere of volleyball as she has competed in leagues like Palarong Pambansa, National PRISAA, and Rebisco League. 

KC Cepada of the University of The East (UE) Lady Warriors

Despite being the underdogs of the league, the UE Lady Red Warriors are determined to end the losing streak that’s been haunting them for years. They now have rookie winger KC Cepada to bolster UE’s offense. She has delivered a stellar performance in every game and could well be a catalyst for the Lady Red Warriors’ run to secure their first-ever win of the season. 

Which rookie are you rooting for this season?