New starting Libero Lyka De Leon is seeking to prove herself in the position she succeeded from Justine Jazareno as De La Salle continues its drive to a title repeat in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. 

The sophomore showcased a decent performance in the Lady Spikers’ second win against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws with 16 digs and 12 receptions to embrace the starting role. 

However, De Leon understands that filling in the position is a grueling task that can go as far as to determine La Salle’s shot at the crown this season. 

As previously revealed by head coach Ramil De Jesus, the veteran mentor discussed struggling with the transition of having to replace certain positions such as libero and setter — which he believes is what makes up a solid team. 

“With the sudden departure ni ate [Justine Jazareno], parang out of the blue, na-force ako mag-step up,” De Leon said. 

“At first, parang nahirapan talaga ako pero ginabayan naman ako ng coaches, sinuportahan ako ng mga teammates ko na kaya ko naman daw. Until-unti, I’ll get there,” she added. 

Justine Jazareno along with other core players, decided to leave Taft and pursue the pro rank shortly after La Salle’s championship victory last year. 

Along with her fellow sophomore players in reigning rookie-MVP Angel Canino and Shevana Laput, though, the trio have formed themselves a reliable rotation early into the season. 

“Good thing na-bbuild ko na ‘yung confidence and character ko. Pero overall, hindi pa ako super satisfied with how I performed. Marami pang lapses and as a team parang hindi pa kami satisfied with winning two games. We have bigger goals than this,” De Leon said. 

In a battle of the only unbeaten teams in two games so far, the Taft-based squad will get acid test when it tackles early contenders University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses on Sunday, Feb. 25.