Diza Marie Berayo of National University Nazareth School (NUNS) was named UAAP Season 88 girls volleyball Most Valuable Player in a ceremony on Sunday at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
The other awardees were Far Eastern University-Diliman’s Nigerian opposite spiker MJ Udeagbala (best opposite spiker) and Cathlyn Umal (first best middle blocker); UST’s Kim Rubin (second best outside spiker), University of the Philippines Integrated School’s Anya Callo (second best middle blocker), De La Salle-Zobel’s Sabine Valdez (best setter) and Adamson’s Maegan Pineda (best libero).
Berayo, also the best outside spiker, earned 97.959 statistical points (SP) — 5.193 ahead of Udeagbala.
“I didn’t expect this (MVP) award. Actually, our only goal this season is to retain the championship. I’m grateful that the Lord gave it to me, but our focus is to win the championship again,” the 17-year-old from Silay City, Negros Occidental, said.
Berayo ranked second in scoring with 199 points, generated from 170 attacks at 36.09 percent efficiency (third in the league), nine blocks, and 20 aces (seventh). She was fifth in digs (2.41 per set) and third in reception at 32.70 percent.
Berayo, who led NUNS to a 13-1 record in the elimination round, is the fourth Lady Bullpup to win the MVP plum after Faith Nisperos (Season 79), Bella Belen (Seasons 80 and 82) and Kianne Olango (Season 85).
Meanwhile, UST’s Rainier Lorayes gained 92.708 SP to claim the MVP award in the boys division.
The 18-year-old from Pasig topped the elimination round with 245 points and was fourth in attacks with a 42.45 percent success rate.
“First and foremost, I am grateful to the Lord because without the skill, the talent that He gave me, I wouldn’t be able to do this. I thank the IPEA, the UST community, our coaches, and everyone who believed and trusted me. And this is for my dad, I hope he is proud of me,” Lorayes, the second Junior Golden Spiker to get the MVP award after Joncriz Ayco (Season 86), said.
Other awardees were UST’s Karl Escobal (second best outside spiker), NUNS’ Ronnie Millan (first best middle blocker) and Xandrex Ragusta (best opposite spiker); FEU-D’s Ron de Vera (second best middle blocker) and Brix Landicho (best setter); while Adamson’s Juris Guevarra was named Best Libero for the second straight season.
NUNS’ Jhayna Bulandres and UPIS’ Justine Jusayan were named top rookies.*PNA
