Reyes: DLSU to use Galang injury as ‘inspiration and motivation’

MANILA, Philippines – How does a perennial UAAP volleyball contender regain their championship against the same team that dethroned them a year prior while facing a-thrice-to-beat edge for their opponents, and the loss of their best player and MVP candidate? 

That’s the problem the DLSU Lady Spikers now face, as they get ready for a fourth straight finals series against the Ateneo Lady Eagles that starts on Wednesday, March 11, at 3:30 pm in front of what will surely be a voracious Mall of Asia Arena crowd.  

If La Salle wants to climb back to the mountain top of UAAP volleyball, they will have to do it without Ara Galang, who suffered season-ending torn ACL, torn MCL, and medical meniscus injuries in DLSU’s Final Four series-clinching win against the NU Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, March 7. 

(READ: Gorayeb: ‘Very difficult’ for Galang-less La Salle to beat Ateneo)

Galang, a former UAAP MVP and Rookie of the Year, scored 25 points before suffering her injury just minutes prior to the conclusion of the game. During the elimination round, Galang averaged 17 points per contest, but was also one of the vocal leaders of the team on and off the floor. 

“Na-sad at nagulat actually,” Galang’s teammate, Mika Reyes, said about the incident. “Sobrang unexpected.” 

(We were sad and surprised. It was very unexpected.)

After the game, the entire team, coaching staff, and former Lady Spikers trooped to Makati Medical Center to check on their fallen teammate. The realization of her situation, which will keep her out a maximum of eight months, has yet to sink in for Galang.

“Nasa hospital din kami kagabi and, yun, wala, kailangan natin talagang tangapin,” said Reyes. 

(We were at the hospital last night, and, yeah, there’s nothing we can do but accept it.) 

“Hindi parin nag si-sink in sakanya. Kahit ako nga, hindi ko pa rin matangap na nang yari.” 

(The injury hasn’t sinked in with her yet. I myself can’t accept what happened yet.)

Her presence will be missed, but life for DLSU has to go on. Reyes, along with other veterans like Kim Fajardo and Cyd Demecillo, will have to step up for the absence of their injured captain. 

But even if Galang won’t be on the floor, the team’s hunger for victory will be driven by delivering her a championship.

“As an inspiration and as motivation nalang for us,” Reyes talked about how Galang’s injury will affect the team. “Mas lalaban kami for Ara.”

(We will fight even harder for Ara.) 

– Rappler.com