No doubt, there is nowhere to go but up.
The University of the Philippines Women’s Volleyball Team (UP WVT) has shattered expectations just two games in UAAP Season 87, nabbing a 2-0 record after taking down early contenders FEU Lady Tamaraws at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The Fighting Maroons managed to pull the rug against last year’s semifinalists with a powerful showing on both ends of the floor, with four players breaching the double-digit scoring tally and their formidable net and floor defense generating 10 kill blocks and 22 excellent receptions.
For head coach Benson Bocboc, this display of grit his stalwarts have shown is nothing short of effort worth commending and to replicate moving forward.
“‘Yun naman ang nakakatuwa sa mga young generation na upcoming [players], talagang wala silang pakialam kahit masaktan sila basta mataas ‘yung bola. Minsan nakakalimutan, nire-remind lang natin sila sa labas, pero in general, nakakabalik naman,” said Bocboc during the post-game interview.
While starters like Joan Monares and Kianne Olango who unloaded 19 and 17 points, respectively, were the topscorers for the team, the veteran strategist pointed out the squad’s deep roster of rookies and mainstays that are ready are always ready for action.
“Hindi sila nilabas [starters], pero may mga players sa labas na ready na pumasok just in case,” he shared.
A handful of spark plugs showed up for the Diliman-based crew when needed most, like one-and-done Kassy Doering and newcomer Yesha Noceja who came up clutch as they crawled out a 7-14 hole at the fourth set to complete the upset.
After being guaranteed a better finish from their 1-13 record from last season, the Fighting Maroons have no plans of slowing down, with their calm-headed coach stepping on the pedal.
“Tingnan natin hanggang saan, pero ang goal namin is dire-diretso, ‘yung depensa na ‘yan ‘yung block[s] na ‘yan, lahat ‘yan [mag]tuloy-tuloy.”
Next stop on their early journey, UP will gun for a third straight win as they face off against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Amid the loss of Ateneo’s key players Zel Tsunashima and Jlo Delos Santos due to grueling season-ender injuries, UP remains vigilant against the gritty squad that is seeking their first win of the season.
“Kulang sila sa players pero hindi dapat namin isipin na gano’n, kailangan bigay pa rin namin ang lahat. Labanan ng puso sa laro, lahat at walang ititra.” commented UP middle blocker Niña Ytang during the post-game press conference. “Matibay ‘yung Ateneo. ‘Di rin naman bumibigay hanggang dulo,” Bocboc added.
Aside from a spotless record, the Diliman-based squad has a chance to end a six-year winning drought over their Katipunan counterparts, with their last triumph dating back to Season 80.
While this point of history looms, the tactician remains firm on implementing the same effort and mindset they have been sharpening since their first match.
“We’ll take it one point at a time, one set at a time. Then maybe, hopefully, the game. ‘Yun ang goal lagi. ‘Di naman kailangan madaliin [yung laro],” he said.
The Fighting Maroons will be hitting the taraflex for the first match of Women’s Volleyball tomorrow, 2 p.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena.
