MANILA, Philippines – Filling in the shoes of someone who once held the title of Asia’s best libero is a tall task, but since the start of the season, La Salle’s CJ Saga never thought of trying to become the next Dawn Macandili. 

“Pag iniisip ko ‘yun, the more akong mawawala. I will never be Dawn Macandili. There will never be another Dawn Macandili,” said La Salle’s converted libero. 

(If I think about it, the more I’d get distracted. I will never be Dawn Macandili. There will never be another Dawn Macandili.) 

Although she does not flash high-flying moves like Macandili, Saga has been dependable as the team’s starting libero in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

La Salle’s dominant win over the league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles highlighted her efforts of anchoring the Lady Spikers’ defense as she emerged as the Player of the Game against their fierce rivals. 

“Pinakamahirap is the thought na na sa’yo ‘yung first touch ng bola, so apektado mo the rest of the rally. So, I just try to be as steady as I can para ma-deliver ‘yung bola sa setter,” admitted Saga, who made 21 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions in the straight-set victory. 

(The hardest thought is that you’re the first touch the ball so you affect the rest of the rally. So I just try to be as steady as I can to deliver the ball to the setter.) 

Saga hopes that her efforts to anchor the team’s floor defense will translate to a four-peat title. 

“This season, inisasaisip at inisasapuso ko lang na I’m here for a reason – to help my team. Hindi lang pangsarili, but to get that four-peat for the community,” said Saga. 

(This season, I’m just thinking and putting it into my heart that I’m here for a reason – to help my team, not just for myself, but to get that four-peat for the community.) – Rappler.com