Amid the hunt for a University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 title, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw rookie Clarisse Loresco seized the opportunity of being granted a shot in the Alas Pilipinas Women national lineup, announced last Thursday, March 27.

“It is [truly] an honor na makasama po sa wishlist for Alas Pilipinas, and super nakaka-proud sa sarili kasi binigyan po ulit ako ng malaking opportunity… Kahit ano man po ‘yung maging outcome nito, being considered is already a milestone in my journey (It is truly an honor to make it to the wishlist for Alas Pilipinas, and I am extremely proud of myself because I was given another chance… Regardless of the outcome, being considered is already a milestone in my journey),” the middle blocker shared in an interview with FEU Advocate.

Representing the green-and-gold squad in solo fashion, the 6’2” middle blocker showed promise after being selected among 33 combined pros and UAAP prospects to showcase their talents for the national team.

Loresco became sentimental as the Lady Tamaraws showed their unconditional support for her venture.

“[I am] very happy and even my teammates, happy din sila for me… Hindi lang naman po ito personal achievement, naging source din po ito ng pride namin (I am very happy and so are my teammates… This is not only a personal achievement, but it also became a source of our pride),” she expressed.

With the second round of the UAAP underway, the Morayta middle blocker stays committed to their goal of a championship.

“Ito na binigay na ni Lord, so kailangan ko po talaga din trabahuhin pa para makapasok doon… pero dapat mag-focus po muna ako sa UAAP… We need to help each other po talaga kahit magkaroon po ng pressure, dapat andoon pa rin po ‘yung desire namin na gusto namin manalo (The Lord has given me such opportunity, so I really have to work for it… but I still need to focus in the UAAP… We need to help each other regardless of the pressure, and we need to have the desire to win),” she stated.

From spearheading the National Capital Region in the Palarong Pambansa to the Shakey’s Super League, the homegrown rookie showed the true definition of humble beginnings.

Fellow UAAP rivals set to fight for the roster include top seed National University’s Alyssa Solomon, Evangeline Alinsug, Arah Panique, Michaela Belen, and Camilla Lamina.

Alleiah Malaluan, Angel Canino, Shevana Laput and Amie Provido then comprise De La Salle University’s contingent, while Shaina Nitura reps Adamson University solo.

The end of the tryouts will determine the partaking of the national team in three major competitions: the sixth Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup Challenge Cup for Women, the fifth Southeast Asian V. League, and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with the venue and dates to be announced.

As for their UAAP stint, Loresco and the Lady Tamaraws lock in with a 6-4 record as they face University of the Philippines on Sunday, April 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 
- Joshua Kyle M. Beltran
(Photo courtesy of Jannah Hilario/FEU Athletics)