The University of the Philippines Men’s Volleyball Team (UP MVT) continue to struggle after suffering their fifth straight loss in UAAP Season 87 at the hands of the defending champions, NU Bulldogs, 12-25, 15-25, 25-15, 22-25, on Sunday, March 9, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite the loss, the Diliman-based squad found diamonds in their rough patch.
Stealing away the third salvo by flaunting an error-free set, State U saw a new name holding their offensive line with rookie Tommy Castrodes lashing out 13 points along with three digs and seven excellent receptions.
While the UP MVT stuck to their system and helped each other in the game, Castrodes stepped up despite being one of the novices for the maroon shirts.
“Pinakita ko lang sa seniors ko na walang rookie-rookie dito,” Castrodes said. “Sabi ng coach namin pwede kayong mag-lead sa mga seniors as a rookie, so kung kaya mong mag-lead sa team, gawin mo. Patunayan mo.”
The 5-foot-9 spiker also expressed his determination to put up a fight amid the towering presence of the Bulldogs, who bagged 16 block points by the end of their match.
“Pinu-push ko ‘yung sarili ko na maka-recover [at] dapat makabalik ako,” Castrodes said. “Pinupush ko rin ‘yung team na makahabol kami. ‘Bigyan natin ng [magandang] laro ‘yung NU.’”
After staring at a 0-2 hole, it was discipline in following the system that boosted the Fighting Maroons’ third-set shocker, according to UP MVT head coach Carlo Cabatingan.
“Wala naman masyadong adjustment. ‘Yun lang siguro. Lumitaw ‘yung pinag-practice-an namin,” said Cabatingan.
Moving forward, Castrodes expressed his excitement on facing his former school, Adamson University, in UP’s last game for the first round of the eliminations.
“Mataas ‘yung confidence ko kasi galing ako doon,” said Castrodes, adding that he was familiar with the team’s plays and players.
The UP MVT aims to put an end to their five-game losing streak and end Round 1 with a victory against the Adamson Falcons on March 16, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
