BACOLOD City – Bacolodnon volleybelle Joan Marie and Julianne Monares are set to become foes in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball competition.
The elder Joan Marie will suit up for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons while Julianne was recruited to play for the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.
The 19-year-old Joan Marie said there will be no sibling rivalry, but she looks forward to face her sister in the UAAP. She was delighted that Julianne was able to achieve her dream of playing in Manila with the Lady Tamaraws.
“Yes I am excited to face her. I want to see her overcome her fears and become stronger. I want to see her improve more and become better than me,” the 5-foot-9 middle blocker said.
“I am proud of her,” she added. “I have seen her worked so hard to achieve kung ano man meron at kung saan sya ngayon. I am happy because despite of the challenges she encountered, she was able to conquer it all.”
For the 18-year-old Julianne, facing her elder sister was nothing new as they used to battle during the early part of their high school volleyball career.
Before becoming teammates at Bacolod Tay Tung High School, Julianne previously played for St Joseph School La-Salle in Bacolod City.
“We have played against each other so many times here in Bacolod. Like in practice games, leagues, and competitions wherein we’re on different teams. I feel like it’s normal that we are each other’s opponent,” she said.
“However, I still look forward to play against her since she has been one of the players that I look up to ever since so I expect that it’ll be a different yet a familiar experience,” said the 5-foot-8 open hitter./PN
