PREVIEW: Youthful JRU Lady Bombers ready to wage war

Published April 3, 2024 2:56pm

Updated April 3, 2024 2:56pm

“‘Yung team namin parang wala pa masyadong experience pero mine-make sure naman namin na every training, every practice binibigay namin lahat,” said newly-tapped team captain May Ruiz.

“And sana lang mapakita namin lahat ng pinaghirapan sa mismong season.”

(Our team has yet to gain enough experience but we make sure that every training, we give our all. Hopefully, we can show this in the season.)

JRU will be bannered by the graduating Ruiz, who is tipped to take on the leadership role following the exits of seniors Sydney Niegos and Riza Rose that led them in the previous season.

Ruiz, the third leading scorer for JRU last season, is tasked to steer the ship for the core that features seasoned libero Marianne Alona and veteran playmaker Inday Laurente, who both provide steady presence for the wards of head coach Mia Tioseco.

Karyla Jasareno and Lyka Egera are also tipped to deliver on offense while Malley Amante, Khreiszantha Batara, Syzzle Rosario, Genelyn Silverio, and Angel Bautista are the other holdovers.

Completing the pack are newcomers Cherish Dayame, Nicole Deala, Patricia Del Pilar, Rachel Lalongisip, Czarina Ramos, and Shanine Pretta.

The Lady Bombers, who will have former team captain Dolly Verzosa as the assistant coach, are hoping to return to the Final Four after missing the semifinals bus in Season 98.

Back in Season 97, JRU made a surprise Final Four appearance after a 5-4 win-loss card in the elimination round but they fell to Arellano University in the second round of the playoffs.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News