WIN or lose, La Salle’s iconic ‘Archers’ Stance’ is a season-ending tradition that has stood for decades across generations of Lady Spikers.
After the Taft side’s final match of a UAAP season, the players set to stay with the team will form a circle at center court and kneel down before performing the 'Archers’ Stance.'
The graduating green-and-white players would then walk to the center of that circle to indicate their departures from the team, before all of them get together for one last huddle.
This year, all eyes were on which players will either be parting ways with the team as fourth-year student-athletes or those set to make surprise early exits.
By the end of their silver-medal run in Season 87, four Lady Spikers stepped onto the middle of the 'Archers’ Stance.'
READ: NU imposes will on La Salle for third title in last four seasons
Two were graduating seniors in ace wingers Alleiah Malaluan and Baby Jyne Soreño who were both part of La Salle’s Season 85 championship win.
The other two were third-year setter Julyana Tolentino and second-year middle blocker Jessa Ordiales, who both saw limited action this season.
Angel and Shevana's not-so-subtle confirmation
Lady Spikers players and coaches turned down post-match interviews even after their final game of Season 87.
As such, questions couldn't be asked on whether its power duo in Angel Canino and Shevana Laput would be staying one more year with the green-and-white.
The two Alas Pilipinas-bound stars had their names thrown in the mix for months now among possible UAAP A-listers to enter this year’s PVL Rookie Draft.
The deadline for applications is on May 23, roughly a week away from the conclusion of Season 87.
Although that is more than enough time to make one final decision on their futures, standing around the 'Archers’ Stance' rather than at the center of it was the loudest quiet yet powerful statement for their plans moving forward.
At least for now, Canino and Laput will remain as Lady Spikers in what could be either their penultimate or final bids to bring Taft back on top in UAAP women’s volleyball.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
