Chris Hernandez fills void left by Ronquillo, Maglinao

After missing out on the De La Salle University lineup last season, Chris Hernandez is ready to make his mark as the Green Spikers embark on their redemption journey in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament. 

With JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao exhausting their playing years, Hernandez finds himself in a pivotal role for the Taft-based squad.

Hernandez, who completed his high school volleyball career with De La Salle Lipa, is now stepping up to fill the void left by Ronquillo and Maglinao. Despite the pressure of stepping into the shoes of two of La Salle's most formidable players, Hernandez remains calm and confident.

“Wala namang pressure kasi alam ko naman yung capacity ko and may room for improvement naman,” Hernandez said following La Salle’s four-set victory over University of Santo Tomas in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge last Wednesday. 

The Green Spikers took down the Golden Spikers 25-19, 27-25, 23-25, 25-20, with Hernandez playing a key role.

Hernandez's journey with De La Salle began long before his collegiate career. 

As a high school standout at De La Salle Lipa, he had the opportunity to learn from Ronquillo and Maglinao, who were his teammates in the high school division.

Even after moving on to the collegiate level, the guidance from his former teammates has been instrumental in his development.

“Naabutan ko sila actually sa HS, mga Grade 7 or 8, and ginagabayan pa rin nila ako kahit hindi ko na sila teammates. Patuloy pa rin naman nila ako ginagabayan and binibigyan ng tips paano hindi kabahan at magenjoy,” Hernandez said.

In the early stages of the V-League, Hernandez has already proven to be a key offensive weapon for the Green Spikers. 

He contributed 10 points in their victory against the Golden Spikers and another 14 points in their season-opening win against Letran, helping La Salle secure a 2-0 start in the tournament.

The young outside spiker credits Ronquillo and Maglinao for instilling in him the importance of setting high yet humble goals as he prepares to take on the challenges of his collegiate career.

“Magtiwala lang sa kapasidad ko and huwag masyado tignan ng mababa yung sarili kasi bata pa naman ako,” Hernandez emphasized.