Foton guest player Mary Rhose Dapol made sure she left an indelible mark on the court as she faced her collegiate rivals in the Premier Volleyball League.
Dapol, the reigning NCAA MVP, took on a formidable Farm Fresh side packed with talented standouts from the College of St. Benilde. It was a showdown that had the crowd on the edge of their seats from the first serve to the final point. Foton's journey to victory was far from easy, requiring a comeback that could only be described as heroic.
Overcoming a 0-2 set disadvantage and a marathon third set, the Tornadoes staged an epic reverse sweep of the Foxies, with scores of 18-25, 23-25, 31-29, 25-20, 18-16. And at the heart of this resounding triumph was none other than Mary Rhose Dapol herself. The 23-year-old native of Lucena delivered a breathtaking performance, registering a game-high 28 points, along with 16 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
But it was in the decisive fifth set that Dapol truly showcased her mettle.
Teaming up with Shaya Adorador, the dynamic duo kept Foton in the game when it mattered the most. Their relentless effort paved the way for Jaila Atienza and May Luna to execute the finishing blows, propelling the Tornadoes to the classification phase in an exhilarating climax.
Speaking after the game, Dapol could barely contain her joy and gratitude towards her team and their supporters.
"For me, it's an overwhelming feeling because the team never gave up until the end. Our first win is a testament to our unity and the unwavering support of the Foton fans," she exclaimed.
Dapol revealed that her past encounters with the stars of the College of St. Benilde, namely Cloanne Mondonedo, Gayle Pascual, and Zamantha Nolasco, fueled her determination to secure a victory for her team. Drawing from her experience playing against these talented players, she felt better equipped to read their moves and strategize effectively on the court.
Moreover, the victory had a special significance for Dapol as it offered her a chance at redemption.
Back in NCAA Season 98, when she was with Perpetual, Dapol's team almost dominated the elimination round but suffered a critical loss to Benilde. The memory of that defeat had lingered, making this win all the more satisfying.
"Yes, it was a significant advantage [knowing them], as I was already familiar with some of the Benilde players' playing styles. It made it easier to anticipate their movements during the match," Dapol shared.
With her tenure as a Foton guest player nearing its end, Dapol recognized the value of this invitational conference beyond personal achievements. She acknowledged that the experience gained from competing in such a competitive league would be invaluable when she returns to play for the Lady Altas in NCAA Season 99.
"The exposure and lessons I gained from this prestigious league are immeasurable. I hope to bring back everything I've learned and contribute to elevating our school's standing," Dapol shared eagerly, eager to make an impact on her alma mater's upcoming campaign.
