By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Patricia Grace Hiponia, a setter from the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, is headed to Manila for college after committing to join the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers.
According to Hiponia, it was a dream come true for her to be noticed and recruited by the Lady Red Spikers team as she aspires to play in the Metro Manila-based league like the NCAA.
“It was my dream to play and study in Manila, and it was an honor that San Beda has given me that opportunity to fulfill this dream,” Hiponia said in an interview with Watchmen Daily Journal yesterday.
“San Beda can expect me to provide a positive attitude, hard work, respect, sportsmanship, optimism, and most importantly, commitment and dedication, not just during NCAA matches but every time, on and off the court,” she added.
Hiponia, who was part of the Western Visayas team that ruled the 2023 Palarong Pambansa high school girls volleyball, said she is excited to help the Lady Red Spikers when she becomes eligible for NCAA Season 100.
“As a setter, I will do my best to contribute to the team by setting the ball well. I am cooperative and have good communication skills, which are the factors to advocate teamwork,” Hiponia said.
“I believe teamwork is essential to have a good development of the team along the way, and I also look forward to helping San Beda achieve their championship aspirations someday,” she added.
Hiponia is the latest Lady Red Spikers recruit from the Bacolod Tay Tung High School volleyball program, aside from incoming rookies Sophie Cagalawan, Gwen Banas and Amber Lily Biong.
“Coming from one of the best high school volleyball programs in the country, we are confident that her playmaking contributions will play a key role to the success of our team,” Lady Red Spikers assistant coach Ray Rosales said.
“San Beda would like to thank [Bacolod Tay Tung team manager] Jose Montalbo for the trust and confidence in the San Beda volleyball program. We acknowledge his vision for developing young talented players to succeed in the sport,” he added./ASC, WDJ