KATHY Bersola refused to bask in the adulation after delivering numbers comparable to rival middle blocker and MVP candidate Jaja Santiago.
University of the Philippines got back at National University with a four-set win on Sunday and while Bersola came up with a fine performance, the former noted that she is not focusing on any head-to-head matchup.
“Oo naman (pinag-aralan ko siya), lahat naman eh, hindi lang naman siya,” said Bersola.
Bersola, the league's best blocker in Season 76, scored 14 points thanks to her eight blocks, while Santiago scored 18 and had seven total rejections.
The fine performance did not come as a surprise to UP assistant coach Rald Ricafort.
“Well, kay Kathy since Game One ng unang round, hindi siya nagkukulang sa pagre-review ng games at review ng match-up niya,” said Ricafort.
“So hindi siya kailangan sabihan ng paulit-ulit, inaaral niya ng kusa, so medyo nag-bunga.”
[See UP Lady Maroons make it back-to-back wins, defeat NU Lady Bulldogs to boost semis bid]
Bersola stressed the Lady Maroons' win streak means little now, with two important elimination-round matches left to be played in the race to the semifinals.
UP next takes on Far Eastern University on April 1 and Adamson University on April 5.
The Lady Maroons look to be regaining their groove, scoring back-to-back wins for the first time since a 4-0 start to the season but Bersola warned the squad about complacency.
“Malaki itong win kasi ayun nga, medyo kailangan namin ’yung wins. Pero ayun, like before lang, we try to tone it down para hindi kami ma-overwhelm at para hindi kami maging masyadong kumpyansa next game,” said the former UP team captain.