One squad, two ranks down and three pillars depart.
But in every loss, there is a gain.
That’s what the outgoing University of the Philippines (UP) Men’s Volleyball Team (MVT) seniors Clarence Santiago and Gelay Lagando believe for the younger peers they will leave behind.
“Na-test talaga ‘yong mga bata. Ayon ‘yong gusto naming makita pa sa mga susunod na season, lalo pa nilang gustong mag-improve and lumaban,” the veteran setter said in an interview with Tinig ng Plaridel.
The Diliman-based squad endured a straight-set loss against the Final Four-bound University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers on Sunday, April 19, concluding its Season 88 run in eighth place with a 3-11 record.
Although landing two ranks lower than their previous sixth-place finish might not be the best ending for the team, Santiago said it was a closure the Fighting Maroons can look back on to improve.
“Anuman ‘yong outcome this season, tingnan niyo siya as malaking opportunity to improve,” he said, addressing the younger players. “[Kung] tatrabahuhin niyo ‘yong proseso, ‘yong outcome [ay] lalabas at lalabas ‘yan.”
Amid an unexpected injury that limited his participation on the stands, Lagando remained present during games to express his support.
“Saksi ako sa journey nila this season. Grabe ‘yong in-improve ng mga bata, ‘yong mga teammates ko,” the outside hitter shared. “Lagi ko naman sinasabi sa kanila [noong] mga training na ‘’Wag kayong titigil. [Hangga’t] kayang lumaban, talagang ilaban nang ilaban. Kasi in the end, masusuklian naman ‘yon ng maganda.’”
Both seniors, alongside middle blocker-turned-open spiker Angelo Lipata, have donned the UP jersey since Season 84 and have maxed out their playing years in this league’s edition.
Santiago and Lipata notched nine excellent sets and seven points, respectively, against the España-based squad.
Meanwhile, the seniors’ trust in their younger peers manifested as rookie Gray Baylon emerged as the team’s top scorer with nine markers off eight attacks and a block.
“Mas nag-focus po ako sa ilalaro ko ngayon kasi last game na po namin,” Baylon said to TNP. “Kinulang lang po kami pero babawi po kami next season.”
Tied UP
The Fighting Maroons struggled to keep up with the Josh Ybañez-led Tigers from the get-go, without team captain and standout Olayemi Raheem as part of the starting lineup.
Lipata strived to close the gap with an off-the-block hit, 7-10. But the versatility of open hitter Ybañez kept the momentum on the yellow side of the court, setting up middle blocker Trevor Valera for a quick attack.
State U struggled offensively, converting only eight out of 39 attack attempts and enduring five out of nine blocks from the opposing team during the opener, 14-25.
Despite being brought back in the middle of the first set up to the second salvo, Raheem was limited only to a point and eventually sat out, ailing from pain upon stepping on teammate Milven Francisco on landing.
The catch-up game continued for the maroon jerseys, trailing behind the yellow shirts by as many as eight points, 16-24.
Baylon attempted to save a set point with an attack, but the Golden Spikers proved to be relentless with Ybañez soaring to put UST in a 2-0 lead.
Luck came over the Iskos’ side in the third period, establishing an early lead through Baylon and Abram Robles’ hits from the middle and consecutive errors from the opposing squad, 9-6.
Yet the Thomasians found their rhythm back after a much-needed timeout, sparking an 8-0 run that was eventually stopped by a Baylon hit, 13-21.
The Final Four team shook the Fighting Maroons’ defense, earning five out of nine aces in the ending set alone, with JJ Macam’s serve being the last to bag the win, 16-25.
Ybañez and Valera led the way for UST with 17 and 11 markers, respectively.
Silver linings
Despite prevailing only against the University of the East Red Warriors in the second round of eliminations, State U found comfort in the midst of Raheem, averaging 19 points throughout before the match-up with the Golden Spikers.
Aside from freshman Baylon, Robles and sophomore Francisco were revealed as forces by the net, with the former bolstering the squad with 12 points in their second round face-off against the De La Salle Green Spikers, and the latter replaying his season-high 14 points in their penultimate match with the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
Meanwhile, other rookie middle blockers Erick Perjes and Wayne Chevis await their breakout games.
Tommy Castrodes continues to take the spotlight as an open hitter before being constrained with 5 points out of 21 attempts in their season-ender.
With both familiar and fresh faces to expect, the UP MVT will strive to rise above the occasion in Season 89.
As the departing seniors advised, for as long as the remaining players do not let the adversities stop their flight, there is no other way to go but up.
UP MVT ROUND 2 SET SCORES:
- NU (0-3): 19-25, 14-25, 19-25
- UE (3-1): 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20
- DLSU (1-3): 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 26-24
- ADMU (2-3): 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 7-15
- FEU (0-3): 23-25, 18-25, 17-25
- AdU (1-3): 23-25, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25
- UST (0-3): 14-25, 17-25, 16-25
