By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Ilongga athlete Princess Robles has come a long way.
The former member of the Central Philippine University (CPU) women’s volleyball program and the pride of Arevalo, Iloilo City was hailed as the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).
It was a historic season for Robles and the rest of the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs after finishing their campaign with an undefeated 16-0 record including their championship series sweep over the tough and experienced De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers.
Robles was also the championship team’s team captain and was the heart and soul of their young core who had to go through a lot after sweeping seasoned universities like the Ateneo de Manila University and DLSU during the elimination phase.
It was a performance to remember for the Ilongga volleyball player after finishing Game 2 of the championship series with 12 points built from 12 successful attacks, two service aces, four excellent digs, and one block.
Robles was one of the most consistent members of the Lady Bulldogs since the start of the season and was also a key factor during their Game 1 win with 15 excellent digs and four attacks.
“Kasi training po namin halos makita po namin yung hirap namin, nagbunga naman po lahat ‘yun. Sobrang happy po kami dahil nakuha namin yung championship crown,” said Robles.
It wasn’t an easy job leading the team while standing as their leader in all those 16 wins but Robles did it with class and was warmly recognized by her teammates moments after they won against DLSU.
Robles’ hard work and dedication together with her teammates ended their school’s 65-year championship title drought and became the second team to cap off a UAAP season with an undefeated title campaign aside from the Ateneo team who did it way back in Season 77.
