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Source: Ivan de Lara, ABS-CBN News

-- Siblings playing in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) volleyball are not entirely new.

De La Salle University used to have Desiree and Celine Hernandez, and now Camille and Philip Cerveza. Adamson University fielded in Maydee and Lizlee Ann Gata.

Ateneo de Manila University takes pride in Paolo and AJ Pareja. University of the Philippines has Dominico and Clarize Lucindo in the roster while University of Santo Tomas (UST) used to be bannered by Mary Jean and Reny John Balse.

But perhaps no other sibling tandem is as fascinating and as successful as UST’s Karl and Rhea Dimaculangan.

Just recently, the Dimaculangan siblings led the Tigers and the Tigresses to a sweet and rare double sweep of the seniors’ volleyball championships. They also bagged the Best Server awards in the men’s and women’s divisions.

“We (the Tigresses) expected to win the championship,” Rhea admitted. “We knew we got the momentum after our Game 1 win.”

Contrasting initiations

In a game where the spikers stand out more because they deliver the points, Rhea and Karl have managed to make a name for themselves as setters.

Before becoming the playmakers, however, the Dimaculangan siblings used to be hitters during their elementary days.

Karl started training as a setter when he entered the De La Salle-Lipa High School team while Rhea was converted into her team’s playmaker when she was in Grade 5.

Rhea then moved on to become UST High School’s setter, playing with the likes of Carmela Lopez, Kimberly Lazaro, Michelle del Rosario, Maruja Banaticla, Alyssa Valdez and Kimberly Fajardo.

She was heavily wooed by other collegiate teams but decided to play on for the senior’s volleyball team of her alma mater.

“I stayed in UST because of my course,” said Rhea, a 3rd Year BS Sports Science student. “I definitely made the right choice to stay in UST.”

Karl, on the other hand, admitted he received little fanfare from recruiters. “I was not heavily recruited,” said Karl. “But my mindset was really to play for UST in college.”

Despite their contrasting initiations to collegiate volleyball, the two immediately made impact for the Tigers and the Tigresses as they replaced UST’s two famed setters, Christian Fernandez and Denise Tan.

Super setters

In March 2008, Karl and the rest of the Tigers upset the four-peat-seeking Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP Finals. Many believed that, being a young team then, the Tigers could just spring more promise. And they delivered.

The Tigers swept the competition in Season 71, losing only 3 sets that entire year, to win the championship. Boasting of a lineup that had solid hitters such as Reny Balse, Reno Roque, Robertly Boto, John Paul Torres, Henry Pecaña, Harby Ilano and Jayson Ramos, UST left its opponents eating dust.

But it was skipper Karl and his reliable setting job that held the pieces together for the Tigers. That year, he won the Finals Most Valuable Player award, a rare feat for a setter like him.

“I was proud and flattered,” said Karl on being named MVP. “I did not expect the award because setters hardly get any recognition.”

Not to be outdone, Rhea capped the Tigresses’ dominance of the first conference of the Shakey’s V-League’s 6th season with a Finals MVP plum of her own. She bested volleyball greats Mary Jean Balse and Michelle Carolino and teammate Aiza Maizo for the honor. The España-based volleybelles went on to win the second conference of the tournament, with Rhea still serving as the team’s court general.

In the 72nd Season of the UAAP, statistics showed that Rhea and Karl were just ranked 4th and 6th in the setting department of the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively. These rankings, however, belied the siblings’ contributions as they carried their teams to the championships.

Karl, who was playing his last year in the tournament, was instrumental in the Tigers’ three-peat success this season.

“I just wanted to do my best,” said Karl. “I wanted to help the team win the championship because that would be the legacy I would be leaving to UST.”

Rhea, on the other hand, was noticeably one of the biggest factors why the Tigresses edged out the De La Salle Lady Archers. Despite her team’s less-than-ideal reception, she was able to set up plays for hitters Maizo, Banaticla, Angeli Tabaquero, Maika Ortiz, Judy Ann Cabellejo, and Denise Santiago.

“Rhea is very important to the team,” said Tigresses coach Shaq delos Santos. “Bihira makahanap ng setter na katulad niyang mag-isip at dumiskarte.”

Rhea’s decision-making skills ultimately earned her another Finals MVP trophy, this time in the UAAP. “I am just so happy, I did not expect this,” said Rhea, who looked surprised as she accepted the award.

No sibling rivalry

While some people might compare one with the other, Karl and Rhea clarified that they do not have a sibling rivalry going on. The two have 3 other siblings.

“There is no sibling rivalry between us,” Karl said “We are close and supportive of each other.”

Karl, being the older brother, said he supports Rhea by giving her tips and advice which she can use inside the court or in life.

Rhea said she watches Karl’s games whenever she has time. “I am so proud of him, and I look up to him,” Rhea said.

The similarities between Karl and Rhea were on full display in the recently-concluded Finals. Both of them saved almost-botched plays, and they were also able to outwit their opponents with their surprising and effective drop shots.

With his collegiate volleyball eligibility already over, Karl is now concentrating on other plans.

“I will miss the fans and the joy of playing for the school,” Karl said. “I will focus on my studies, and if there is a chance for me to play for the national team, I will.”

Rhea admitted that her brother’s UAAP graduation saddens her, but disclosed her goals for her own volleyball career.

“Hopefully, the team will win more championships and that I get to play for the national team after college,” Rhea said.

Amid the deafening cheers of their fans and despite all the accolades they have been given, Karl and Rhea still consider their family as their most important possession.

“My proudest moment is whenever our parents would go to Manila to watch our games,” said Rhea, whose parents watched the championship games live last February.

Their parents must be beaming with pride. They have raised 2 extraordinary volleyball players and 5 amazing children.