PLAYING before a huge crowd in an Ateneo jersey brought back memories for former Lady Eagle Jia Morado.
Morado put up a stellar outing to help Ateneo hammer out a five-set win over La Salle in the match dubbed as "Battle of the Rivals" on Sunday at MOA Arena.
Morado dished out 58 excellent sets and earned the Most Valuable Player honor of the match that will benefit the athletic scholarship programs of both schools.
But while she said it felt good to be playing alongside familiar faces, Morado said it won’t change her decision to end her college career.
"It's final," she said, referring to her decision to forego her final year of eligibility.
"It felt great playing again with familiar people. It took some ‘kapa-kapa’ and adjustments pero nakuha din namin eventually," said the UAAP Season 77 Best Setter.
"I'm just happy sa turnout ng match, and I'm just hoping na everyone is reminded na this is really for a good cause. It's not just for La Salle, not just for Ateneo, it's not for pride, it's for a good cause talaga," she added.
Aside from reuniting with former teammates, Morado was also thrilled to play alongside one of the school's finest spikers in Fille Cainglet-Cayetano.
"Di ata siya nakapalo sa akin kasi nasa backline siya," she said with a smile.
"But of course it was fun. I know how defensive she is, how good she is at the service line also, so parang kampante ako na andun siya sa loob ng court."
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