Deserved MVP Recognition
Everyone in the NCAA knew Cloanne Mondoñedo deserved to win the women’s volleyball MVP award—except maybe St. Benilde’s ace playmaker herself. “Initially, I had to convince myself that maybe this award is truly for me because I’ve worked so hard ever since joining the NCAA,” Mondoñedo said after the Collegiate Press Corps subsequently named her the finest women’s volleyball athlete in the country’s oldest varsity competition.
A Rare Feat for Setters
Mondoñedo felt surprised by her MVP win, acknowledging that setters rarely receive the highest individual award. “To be honest, I was surprised. I didn’t expect it,” she said. “After all, all I was expecting was the best setter award as a bonus to winning the championship.”
Statistical Obstacles
In collegiate volleyball, individual awards rely purely on stats, which challenges setters. The statistical points that count toward the MVP race include points, attacks, blocks, serves, digs, sets, and receptions. Spikers and blockers typically dominate these categories, while setters primarily earn points from sets, serves, and occasionally blocks.
Table: Key Statistical Categories
| Position | Key Stats | Challenges for Setters |
|---|---|---|
| Spikers | Points, Attacks | High statistical dominance |
| Blockers | Blocks, Points | High statistical dominance |
| Setters | Sets, Serves, Blocks (limited) | Lower statistical representation |
| Diggers | Digs, Receptions | Shared across team, less impact for setters |
A Confluence of Events
According to long-time NCAA beat reporters, several factors contributed to Mondoñedo’s MVP win:
- Team Performance: St. Benilde accumulated most of the statistical points, with well-distributed contributions across its roster.
- Absence of Dominant Performers: Unlike the UAAP, the NCAA did not have standout players like Bella Belen or Grethcel Soltones who consistently scored high points.
- Elimination Round Impact: MVP candidates came from the four teams that survived the elimination round, leveling the playing field.
Historical Significance
Mondoñedo’s achievement, described as unprecedented in recent memory, underscores the rarity of a setter winning the MVP award. In the UAAP, no setter has won the MVP award since at least the 1996-97 season.
Reconsidering the MVP Selection Process
Mondoñedo’s win raises questions about the current process for selecting the best individual athlete in a tournament. Should adjustments be made to better recognize the contributions of setters and other crucial positions?(Voslot)