NINE years ago, Ateneo completed a rare sweep of the UAAP women's volleyball tournament Season 77, winning all 16 games in a rare display of consistency, power and determination.
It was the first of a three-year domination by the Blue Eagles and established the stardom of Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Bea de Leon, and Ella de Jesus, the quartet credited not only for Ateneo's dynasty but whose game elevated the popularity of women's volleyball in the country.
Who would have thought that nearly a decade later, the fabulous four would be together again in one team, this time with the another powerhouse squad, this time in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) with seven-time champions Creamline Cool Smashers.
READ: Tots Carlos pours 31 points to lead Creamline past Akari
De Leon and Lazaro-Revilla, who made the leap from sister club and reigning runner-up Choco Mucho to Creamline for the 2024 season, couldn’t believe that after all these years, playing with their Ateneo seniors in the same team would still be possible.
“‘Di ko rin akalain na makakapag-sama-sama pa ulit kami. Pero ‘yun, kampante siya sa feeling ko kasi alam ko na kahit anong mangyari, may sasalo sakin. Pagtingin mo sa court, andyan naman si Ate Ly (Valdez), si Ate Els (De Jesus) nasa likod mo lang. Napakagaan sa loob ko na nandyan lang sila, lahat ng seniors ko noon,” said De Leon.
“Ako I never thought na makakapaglaro pa ko with them, so I’m really grateful to be a part of this team. Winelcome nila ko and I was given an opportunity to be a part of this team.“
Lazaro-Revilla added: “It’s just so easy to integrate myself because they know me so well kaya nag-translate din siya sa laro on the floor.”
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