FEU Lady Tamaraw Maxine Juangco took the first step in her professional volleyball career as she prepares to be the Akari Chargers’ new libero in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as announced in the post from their official Facebook page last February 5.

The Morayta-based libero officially ends her collegiate career, foregoing her three remaining playing years in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Juangco completed her first playing year in Season 84, taking a starting spot for the team in just their fourth game and finishing the season as the third best digger in the tournament statistically, averaging exactly four per set.

Following the disappointing end to the said season with only one win for the Lady Tamaraws, the green-and-gold volleybelle continued her substantial contribution in Season 85 as the team barely missed the final four with a 6-8 win-loss record.

Her signing with Akari follows the recent news of the upcoming leave of absence of Justine Jazareno due to pregnancy, which opens up an opportunity for her to have a major role in the team as she rotates with Shiela Pineda in the libero position.

Despite the abrupt ending to her collegiate career, Juangco still expressed her gratitude.

"Nag-end not in the way that I expected pero grateful for my overall experience talaga. Playing in the college division, mataas 'yong level of competition and dapat malakas din 'yong mentality. Been through a lot of highs and lows and I’ve learned to stay tough and just believe on my why's (It didn’t end the way that I expected but I'm really grateful for my overall experience. Playing in the college division, the level of competition is high and the mentality has to be strong. I've been through a lot of highs and lows and I've learned to stay tough and just believe in my why's)," she said.

She also mentioned her sentiments of gladness about Akari as her first pro team.

"I’m genuinely happy to be a student of sport with the veteran players. I’m glad na sila 'yong teammates ko, na makakasama ko magtrabaho. First team in the pros and thankful ako kasi they’re super welcoming. Excited ako to learn and share what I can do (I’m genuinely happy to be a student of sport with the veteran players. I’m glad that they're my teammates whom I'll work with. It's my first team in the pros and I'm thankful because they’re super welcoming. I'm excited to learn and share what I can do)," she added.

The FEU standout will officially begin her stint with the Power Chargers in the upcoming PVL All-Filipino conference wherein she reunites with her season 85 coach, Cristina Salak, and will play alongside fellow former Lady Tams, Celine Domingo and Princes Madrigal.

-Vince Matthew Jaramilla

(Photo courtesy of Akari Power Chargers Facebook Page)