Graduating players Mars Alba and Jolina dela Cruz heaved a huge sigh of relief as they are set to leave De La Salle as UAAP volleyball champions again after five years.

The newly crowned Finals Most Valuable Player and Best Setter Alba and 1st Best Outside Spiker dela Cruz, though, are unsure of their next move following a dominant season.

Seniors Mars Alba and Jolina dela Cruz. (UAAP Media)

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The Lady Spikers reclaimed the championship title five years after failing to complete their four-peat bid in Season 81, where they finished in third place.

It was also the year Alba and dela Cruz debuted in the league, which was quickly followed by the pandemic-hit Seasons 82 and 83.

“Sobrang fulfilling siya. Simula rookie year namin [ni Mars], wala kaming experience na mag-champion. Kumakayod kami and nagbabakasakali na makuha 'yong ganong opportunity. Sobrang saya lang talaga ngayon, [first] down kami ng two sets tapos ginapang hanggang fifth set. Masayang makuha iyong panalo pag pinaghirapan,” said dela Cruz.

The veteran players were on cloud nine after helping La Salle secure its 12th championship title in an epic five-set escape win against the National University Lady Bulldogs.

“Pinagtulung-tulungan lang namin maabot tong goal na to kasi ‘yon nga sa five years na stay ko sa La Salle, ngayon lang ako nakaranas maging champion. And kami pa yong seniors ni Jolina. Very nakaka-overwhelm siya,” said team captain Alba.

With a title drought that began in their first year, Alba and dela Cruz ended in their senior year with La Salle.

“Pinangako ko sa sarili ko na di ako ga-graduate na hindi ako makakapag-champion ng La Salle. Yun yung goal namin ni Jols. Baka inaantay na tayo sa pang huling year natin na tayo naman magcha-champion,” added Alba.