I am a self-confessed supporter of women’s volleyball tournament especially in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). It was all started way back in 2009 when I accidentally tuned in to the final game between Far Eastern University and De La Salle University on Studio 23. It was the last UAAP season of Rachel Ann Daquis where a sad exit for her losing the Final Games 2 and 3 to La Salle.
The following year came, Season 72. I didn’t follow the eliminations and semis but again by chance tuned in to the final game between the defending champs versus the team of these jolly ladies having colorful face paints, the UST Tigresses. It was a graceful exit for Angeli Tabaquero getting the title from La Salle. This was the game that made me a fan of Numero Otso, Kapitan Aiza Maizo.
I wanted to watch her live but since I reside in the province that time, that wish wasn’t realized. The following year, Season 73 was her last year in the UAAP. I admired her more for a bumpy season they had. As a captain, it was her role to encourage her guys to fight, to be fiercer, and focus on the games. When UST needed a point, she’s always there to create one even though she had injuries. They lose to a five-set game to UP and Ateneo that time but still managed to face La Salle in the finals. However, they lose the game, a sad exit for her UAAP career.
Aside from UAAP, Aiza Maizo and other alumni of university athletic volleyball play as guest players on Shakey’s V-League which is now in its 10th Season. The opening of the 1st conference was held last April 7 at San Juan Arena. She’s coming back from a rest in volleyball and will be playing with the team who developed her as an athlete. The opening game of the season was UST vs. the defending champion Ateneo Lady Eagles having another star on their lineup, the ever beautiful Rachel Ann Daquis.
The game started around 3:30 PM with the crowded San Juan Arena. The teams went out on the court with everyone eyeing for Maizo and Daquis. Daquis is still that athlete chic with long hair. Maizo, on the other hand, seemed to gain weight, but still, she’s Aiza Maizo in terms of the way she attacks and handles every ball given to her.
The game ended in 3 sets with the Ateneo Lady Eagles defeating the ladies on the yellow jersey. I want to take a picture with her but it’s impossible since I was in the general admission section of the arena (tickets on the lower box and ringside were already sold out when I arrived at the venue.)
Aiza Maizo is a former member and captain of the Women’s Volleyball Team of the University of Santo Tomas. In her 5-year stay in UST, she received several awards including the most desirable MVP award in the 2nd Conference of the Shakey’s V-League. She has also 2 championship crowns in the UAAP & 6 in the V-League. As of now, she holds the record of being the only player who won the Finals MVP awards twice consecutively & the first player winning both Conference and Finals MVP in the same conference (Season 6, 2nd Conference).
