I wasn’t able to watch the Ateneo vs. San Sebastian College game last October 23 live but was able to see all the action via the 2pm telecast the following day. All Shakey’s V-League games are being televised (delayed though) courtesy of NBN Channel 4 and Sports Vision Management Group, Inc. To summarize the match, it was a classic battle between Thai guest players Lithawat Kesinee of Ateneo and Jaroensri Bualee of San Sebastian College. The Lady Stags triumphed over the Lady Eagles in 5 exciting sets: 18-25, 25-23, 29-27, 20-25, 15-7. Who do you think is the better Thai guest player? Let’s compare.

Lady Stags outclassed Ateneo

Let’s talk about the game first. Although both teams relied on their Thai guest players, the game was won by the squad who displayed more determination and consistency as a team. It is true that Bualee and Kesinee more often than not emerge as Best Scorers as expected of them by their teammates as well as the fans. In fact, during their duel, Jaroensri Bualee had a total of 31 points while Lithawat Kesinee produced 30. But the game of volleyball is a team sport. And it is this fact that makes it more challenging than other sports like basketball. You cannot simply rely on a Michael Jordan to win a volleyball match. No matter how good you are, you cannot dig, set, then spike the ball all by yourself. That’s a violation! You need to work as a team.

With a lot of teamwork and players stepping up when needed, San Sebastian College was able to beat the Lady Eagles who apparently lost steam towards the end. The third set proved to be the pivotal set of the match. At the ending moments of the third set, Lady Stag Bualee shows the crowd that she is human after all as she commits a service error giving the Eagles a bonus point. It’s 26 all. How did the Lady Stags win this set? It was Laurence Ann Latigay (#11) and Rysabelle Devanadera (#1) who provided the crucial points.

Ateneo fights back and wins the fourth set. Karla Bello of Ateneo is perhaps the “most dangerous setter” in the V-League. Her timely drop shots were very effective all throughout the game. The Lady Eagles win the fourth set at 20-25. During the fifth and final set, the Blue Spikers start to collapse. The flames die out as Kesinee fails to uplift her team. As for the Lady Stags, everything is going their way. Latigay continues to generate points. Bualee also comes alive as she regain confidence. San Sebastian outclasses Ateneo as they win the set and the match at a commanding 15-7 score. What a game! Rysabelle Devanadera earns the Shakey’s Best Player award.

Jaroensri Bualee vs. Lithawat Kesinee: A comparison

• When it comes to power, clearly Bualee spikes it harder than Kesinee. In fact, her spikes are so powerful you can see the ball bouncing off the floor with immense force even in slow motion.
• In volleyball height does matter when it comes to blocking. Kesinee looks just bit taller than Bualee (at least on TV). Statistics show that Kesinee is the better blocker.
• Both players have tremendous offensive talent. They can attack the ball from everywhere. Bualee’s main offense is her open attacks while Kesinee plays middle and is very effective with her running attacks. When it comes to back line spikes, Kesinee can place the ball well while Bualee relies on her powerful hits. As for quick attacks, I’ve never seen either of them do this.
• Kesinee has a slight advantage with her running floater serve as opposed to Bualee’s standing floater serve. Since Kesinee seems to rely more on placement rather than power, she is able to use this strategy with her service as well.
• Bualee is the type of player who can single-handedly carry her team whenever she plays well. But of course, we all know that in volleyball, you get bad hair days more often than not. Kesinee on the other hand, becomes very effective when her teammates compliment her efforts by playing well.
• Bualee has become a crowd favorite similar to how the Filipino audience responded to Leila Barros of Brazil when a leg of the Grand Prix was held her years ago. She seems very down-to-earth. And this is evident by how she plays inside the court. She never do trash talking and you would always see her smile all the time. Kesinee on the other hand, has yet to prove her humbleness. Some fans think Kesinee is a bit arrogant because you would often see her mock her teammates when committing errrors.
• Kesinee is a leader inside the court. And this is probably why you see her talking to her teammates specially when things could have been executed better. And oh, she can also speak English fluently. As for Bualee, she’s really more of a star player. In any case, both players are capable of driving their teams to victory.

To choose who among Jaroensri Bualee and Lithawat Kesinee is the better Thai guest player is a tough one. In my opinion, Bualee’s power and experience make her a better player when it comes to individual talent. But then again, volleyball is a team sport. Lithawat Kesinee seems to fit perfectly with her team. This makes her and the rest of the Eagles a lot stronger than they have ever been in the past V-League conferences. And this is why many fans are expecting Ateneo to make it to the Finals this time around. Both Thai players are very gifted. Ummm… but honestly, I still haven’t decided who’s the better player for me. What do you think?

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