ARELLANO University Regine Arocha still can't believe she was hailed one of SportsVision Volleyball Players of the Year by the Collegiate Press Corps.
The fourth-year standout shared the honors with fellow awardee, University of Santo Tomas star Sisi Rondina, at the awarding ceremony held Monday night at the Amelie Hotel Manila.
They were the clear favorites to be the first recipients of the historic award, a brand new distinction handed out by the 10-year-old Collegiate Press Corps.
“Napatanong nga po ako sa sarili ko, sabi ko, ‘Bakit ako? Bakit ako ‘yung may award na ganito? Deserve ko ba ‘to?’” said Arocha, who proved her mettle by leading Arellano to a three-peat in Season 94 of the NCAA women's volleyball tournament this year.

The road to the Lady Chiefs' success was not without its hurdles.
University of Perpetual Help was dead-set on wresting the crown from the reigning back-to-back champs, pulling off a 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20 win at the start of their best-of-three finals last February.
The Lady Chiefs found their heroine in Arocha, however, who rose to the occasion and helped the Legarda-based squad to rule a thrilling five-setter, 23-25, 25-9, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12, forcing a win-or-go-home battle for the championship.
In Game Three, Arocha again played a vital role in AU's 22-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-18 victory, finishing with 16 points, highlighted by five service aces and 11 excellent receptions, to nab her second straight Finals MVP award.
Her accomplishments made her Volleyball Player of the Year plum a no-brainer for print and online scribes covering the NCAA and UAAP.
Although she was first surprised when she learned about the news, Arocha vowed to live up to the honor and challenge herself to better her best.
“Naisip ko na lang na ito ang gagawin kong motivation para mas galingan ko pa,” she said. “Mas sisipagan ko pa ang training sa araw-araw and para mapakita ko na deserve ko ‘tong award na ‘to.”
Arocha will play her fifth and final year with the Lady Chiefs in the NCAA Season 95 women’s volleyball tournament.
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