Guided by her brothers, Pat Del Pilar aspires to one day lead JRU to the top
By BEA MICALLER,GMA Integrated News
Pat Del Pilar first discovered her love of volleyball through encouragement from her two brothers, Rafael and Nathaniel.
She now uses that as fuel in her bid to bring Jose Rizal University volleyball back to relevance in the NCAA.
"Ito na po 'yung first love ko kasi nga na-encourage ako ng mga kuya ko. Sabi ko na gusto ko rin mag-volleyball, gusto ko rin ma-feel 'yung nafi-feel nila inside the court," Del Pilar told GMA News Online on Tuesday.
Rafael and Nathaniel are like heroes for the 5-foot-11 Del Pilar.
Rafael was a member of De La Salle University and suited up back in UAAP Season 79. Nathaniel followed suit as he's part of the current Green Archers, who reached the Final Four of the recently-concluded UAAP Season 87. Like the youngest Del Pilar, Rafael and Nathaniel are also middle blockers.
"In-encourage po nila ako na maglaro kasi syempre I have the height din po. Pito po kaming magkakapatid and bunso po ako. 'Yung dalawang kuya ko lang po 'yung naglalaro," Del Pilar added.
"Una po basketball po talaga sila tapos ayon po nakita sila ng coaches ng volleyball kaya ni-recruit sila hanggang sa tinuloy-tuloy po nila."
Only a sophomore, Del Pilar is now among the leaders for the Lady Bombers, emerging as their second leading scorer in the ongoing NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament.
And someday, she hopes to see JRU seeing action in the Final Four.
"Gusto ko rin po talaga ma-achieve na mag-Final Four kami dito sa JRU or Finals at kung papalarin mag-champion," the 22-year-old middle blocker said.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
_2025_06_06_17_49_20.jpeg&w=3840&q=100)
GMA Network
10 hours ago
- GMA Network
Arellano sweeps Mapua, sets up finals duel vs Letran in NCAA men's volleyball
NCAA Arellano University swept Mapua University, 25-20, 25-15, 25-15, in the do-or-die match of the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball Final Four on Friday to advance to the finals. The Chiefs are returning to the finals after seven years and will face Colegio de San Juan de Letran for the title. Arellano also erased a twice-to-beat disadvantage against no. 2 team Mapua. The Chiefs led 7-4 in the third set before they made a 11-3 run to claim an 18-7 lead. Eventually, Arellano led 23-9 before Mapua made a 5-0 run and tried to trim the deficit. Penny Curamen then put Arellano at match point before Adi Villados' attack went out in the following rally as Mapua salvaged one. Jayvee Valenzuela's service error, however, handed the victory to Arellano. "Pinag-usapan namin na one point at a time lang, kung ano ang usual na ginagawa namin sa training, gawin lang namin," Arellano head coach Bryan Vitug said. AC Guinto led Arellano with 15 points, while Penny Curamen added 12 points. Jiwen Sinuto and Carl Berdal had nine points each, while Villados stood out as he made 20 out of Arellano's 20 excellent sets. Arjay Ramos was the only double-digit scorer for Mapua with 10 points, with Barbie San Andres limited to just six points. Mapua will face Benilde in the battle for third. Game 1 of the best-of-three finals between Arellano and Letran will be played on Sunday. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
_2025_06_06_15_52_53.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
GMA Network
12 hours ago
- GMA Network
Letran topples Benilde, returns to NCAA men's volleyball finals after 15 seasons
NCAA Colegio de San Juan de Letran toppled twice-to-beat De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 22-25, 28-26, 25-14, 25-20, in the do-or-die match of the NCAA men's volleyball Final Four to return to the finals after 15 seasons. The Knights last appeared in the finals in Season 85 in 2009 when they completed a three-peat. After two tight sets, the Intramuros-based squad dominated the Blazers, leading as much as 21-9 in the third set before claiming the said frame. In the third set alone, the Knights had 14 attacks against Benilde's nine points, while the former only had four errors against the latter's seven. In the fourth set, Letran had an early 8-3 lead before Benilde caught up, 11-9. The Blazers inched closer, 18-17, but Vince Himzon ignited Letran's late rally to claim the victory. Rocky Roy Motol's attack went outside to hand Letran a three-point advantage but a Jacob Herrera attack gave a glimmer of hope for Benilde. Bembem Bautista then scored back-to-back for Letran but a running attack from John Austero stopped the bleeding for Benilde. Bautista then closed the match for Letran as he made the Knights' final three points en route to his 27-point eruption. "Very overwhelming 'yung nangyari kasi 'yung kalaban natin talagang dinominate nila ang first and second round. Kami bilang challenger, sabi ko sa mga bata, hindi dapat matapos ang Season 100 nang wala tayong napatunayan," Letran head coach Brian Esquibel said in the broadcast. Bautista had 24 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Vince Himzon had 18 points as the Knights secured the first finals spot. Mike Balbacal and Raymark Betco had 15 points apiece, while Motol had 13 points, with James Marasigan adding 10 points for the Blazers. Letran will face the winner of the do-or-die match between the twice-to-beat Mapua Cardinals and the Arellano Chiefs. Game 1 of the finals will be on Sunday. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
Roger Gorayeb joins Strong Group Athletics as volleyball consultant
Decorated volleyball coach Roger Gorayeb has been tapped by Strong Group Athletics as a consultant for its girls' and women's volleyball programs. The group announced the development on Thursday, days after Capital1 appointed Gorayeb as consultant of the Solar Spikers as Jorge de Brito took over the head coaching job. According to SGA, Gorayeb will provide mentorship to student-athletes of teams backed by the organization such as the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA, and the University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP. 'Masaya ako kasi mayroon pa palang nagtitiwala sa akin,' Gorayeb said in a statement. 'Sobrang sarap sa feeling kasi hindi ako mawawala sa volleyball. Passion ko talaga magturo ng mga bata. Super saya.' SGA added Gorayeb is with the organization 'for as long as he can mentor our athletes." 'His wealth of experience and championship pedigree will be an incredible asset to all our teams, both on and off the court," Strong Group Volleyball head Kiara Cruz said. In NCAA Season 100, Gorayeb's San Sebastian women's squad finished 7th with a record of eight wins and ten losses. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
