WHEN Marga Altea, one of the standouts from UST’s high school volleyball program, made the leap to the seniors’ team, she knew her transition would involve more than just adjusting as a rookie on a squad with championship aspirations.
In UAAP Season 87, the 6-foot Altea will not only be a newcomer but also shift from her long-time position as a middle blocker — a role she played throughout high school — to the outside hitter position for the Growling Tigresses.
“Mahirap po kasi, lalo ngayon, parang mas marami po iyong a-adjust-an,” Altea told the Varsitarian. “‘Yon po ‘yong biggest challenge ko, ‘yong malagpasan ko ‘yong mga adjustments na ‘to.”
Altea acknowledged the challenges that come with the defensive responsibilities of her new position, along with the faster pace of play in the seniors’ division.
“Mas makikita naman natin na mas mabilis sa seniors kaysa sa juniors, and ‘yong depensa rin,” she said. “Tapos, parang katabi mo po sina ate Det (Detdet Pepito) pa. So, siyempre, may added pressure na siya.”
While the 19-year-old prepares for the transition, she is relying on the guidance of her seniors, such as Pia Abbu, Bianca Plaza, and Pepito, the team captain, who have been playing under coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes’s system for several seasons.
For Altea, these seniors play a crucial role in helping her acclimate to the seniors’ level, which is essential for her success in her new position.
“Naging mas madali siya kasi ‘yong sistema, same lang, and siyempre, ‘yong coaches. ‘Yong (advantage) ko lang as a rookie, may susundan ako na mga seniors, which is pabor sa akin,” Altea said.
In high school, Altea was team captain of the Junior Golden Tigresses under Reyes.
She won second Best Middle Blocker in the juniors’ division and helped lead UST to a bronze medal in Season 86.
Despite entering college with a strong volleyball resume, Altea said her main goal is to develop the courage to step up whenever the team needs her, even as she adjusts to an unfamiliar role.
“‘Yong goal ko lang is mas tumapang talaga,” she said. “Wala talaga ako ine-expect sa sarili ko. ‘Yong adjustment, ‘yon ‘yong biggest challenge ko na need lagpasan, pero mas tapangan ko pa.”
Altea is expected to be one of the most anticipated newcomers for the Golden Tigresses, who remain led by Angge Poyos, Regina Jurado, and Pepito.
