THERE might be an obvious answer to many people to the question I am posing.

Is the UAAP really better than the NCAA in women’s volleyball?

And that answer is YES.

And I will support this contention by facts.

I will start with who is the bigger league between the two? Definitely it will be the UAAP for a number of reasons.

In terms of popularity and visibility, the NCAA is in second place, unfortunately, the comparison is only between two teams, throw in gate attendance especially in the finals, you will see what I mean.

It is the same thing in terms of media coverage and advertising support I believe.

Then the obvious fact that the country’s top and biggest schools, UP, Ateneo, De La Salle, UST, FEU, UE, and NU which by virtue of its sports program’s success has been increasing its student population, they are in the UAAP.

Please take note though there is no offense intended for NCAA schools when it comes to quality of education.

And because of the fact that these schools are in the UAAP, as far as sports is concerned, UAAP schools generally will attract graduating high school athletes, not to mention the strong recruitment programs by UAAP schools.

This simply means those with the better potentials in sports will end up in UAAP rather than the NCAA.

This of course includes women’s volleyball, and I will cite another fact, look at the women’s volleyball commercial leagues, the defunct Pilipinas Super Liga and the PVL, which de facto ended up merging, the top stars and superstars are from UAAP schools m, very few from the NCAA.

Take the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago and sister Dindin, Mika Reyes, Rachel Ann Daquis, Majoy Baron , Dawn Macandili, Ara Galang, Maika Ortiz, Aby Marano, the Laure sisters, Sisi Rondina, Pam Lastimosa, then joined by newer names Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Deanna Wong, Maddie Madayag , Ponggay Gaston, plus a slew of stars from NU led by Bella Belen and Ivy Lacsina, plus Faith Nisperos from Ateneo, they are all products of UAAP schools or are still in school.

Now let us go to the on-going Shakeys Super League that is a casting coup for me because it is the first time that all UAAP and NCAA schools have joined in one tournament.

Even as it is still early but look at game results featuring UAAP vs NCAA teams, predominantly, it the former that prevails over the latter.

And NU has yet to see action.

UAAP’s top four teams are NU, La Salle, Ateneo, and UST, from the NCAA side, they are St. Benilde, Arellano, JRU, and San Sebastian, now check the results of the games as I did.

FEU, not even a top 4 UAAP team, beat St. Benilde, UST over JRU,,UPHD did not go past UP, and Ateneo posted a win over Arellano, the initial rankings in the 4 groups again will show a domination by UAAP squads.

If we look at the top 8 now, they are UP, UST, Ateneo, La Salle, Adamson and FEU. NCAA schools who made it are Arellano and UPHD.

Now when NU starts playing in Arellano’s group, you can kiss its dreams goodbye, not with Ateneo in the same group.

Are you convinced?

LOOSE CHANGE: Looking forward to the PVL Reinforced Conference, planning to watch some live games, thanks to Rhea Navarro for accreditation…

This Sunday, will drop by Lucky Chinatown Mall for an exhibit of Philippine basketball history. By Lito Cinco

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