MANILA, Philippines - Two-time UAAP women's volleyball Most Valuable Player Abigail Marano will return to La Salle for her final playing season, while Season 75 Finals MVP Michele Gumabao remains undecided about her future.
Marano and Gumabao teamed up to lead the Lady Spikers to their third straight crown when they defeated rivals Ateneo in Game 2 Wednesday, allowing them to sweep the best-of-three finals.
"I still have one year," Marano told reporters following their victory.
When asked if she will return for her final season with the Lady Spikers, Marano confirmed, "I will, I will."
Meanwhile, Gumabao, who anchored the Lady Spikers' intimidating net defense during the finals, said she has yet to decide.
"(I'm) not sure about next year... I haven't decided," Gumabao said.
Both Marano and Gumabao are still basking in the glow of victory, as they were the leaders of the team that gave La Salle its eighth women's volleyball championship.
"I'm very thankful for what I've got, the three-peat. It was a team effort kasi. Nobody stood out, nobody really took all the responsibility so lahat kami pantay-pantay," said Gumabao. "Everybody worked as a leader, everybody worked as a team."
Marano, who won her second league MVP award as well as the Best Blocker trophy, said their sacrifices during the season have paid off.
"This season was really tough, and really extreme in a way na sobrang daming challenge na dumating sa team namin," she revealed.
"Habang tumatagal, lalong dumadami ang challenges mo, pero lalo kang naggo-grow as a matured person and as a matured player," she added.
With Marano deciding to stay for one last year, the Lady Spikers will still likely be among the favorites in the Season 76 tournament.
If Gumabao ends up leaving, that means the Lady Spikers will lose three members of their core. Libero Melissa Gohing and Wensch Tiu both played their final games for the Lady Spikers yesterday, having used up their eligibility.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
