MANILA, Philippines – Unlike its almighty men’s basketball team, UP’s women’s volleyball squad is far from a contending threat in UAAP competition, posting just a single win in Season 86 against 13 losses.
Even after the acquisition of former top UE prospects Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, and Kizzie Madriaga, the Fighting Maroons were still viewed as levels below real title chasers like NU, La Salle, and UST.
That doesn’t mean, however, that UP won’t be keen to ruffle any feathers in Season 87, as it has since come out of the gates blazing with a stunning 2-0 start, already double its win count the year prior.
In contention shape or not, the Maroons still aim to build off their newfound winning ways while they are on the right path.
“Our whole team has one goal: to give our best in all games, and it hasn’t been difficult for us, especially for the new coaches and players, because they all want to help the team,” veteran blocker Niña Ytang said in Filipino after UP’s four-set stunner of contending FEU last Wednesday, February 19.
“Compared to our experience last year where the team and players were quite new, the rookies from high school are a big help to us, and they’ve been helping the team rise,” spiker Joan Monares added in Filipino. “We’re working on our connection with these new players inside and outside the court.”
One of these key additions is former NU high school star Kianne Olango, who followed up a 15-point debut against UE with 17 points off 13 attacks, 3 blocks, and an ace against FEU.
Monares and Ytang, meanwhile, provided the veteran leadership UP sorely needs in its journey for growth, as the pair likewise made their presence felt against the Lady Tamaraws with 19 and 15 points, respectively.
Even with the Dongallo-led UE trio still sitting out for residency in Season 87, UP has proven, albeit with a small sample size, that it won’t be the doormat squad it was last year.
As all teams know, there’s no squad in any sport more dangerous than one with nothing to lose. – Rappler.com