ISA Molde and University of the Philippines take on their former coach Jerry Yee and his new team, College of Saint Benilde in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Season 2 Collegiate Conference on Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan City.
Molde and Yee were together from her days with Hope Christian High School until her second year in UP. But Yee will now be on the opposing side calling the shots for the Lady Blazers when the pair meet again in the 4 p.m. game.
Molde admitted his former coach still knows their game.
“Nag-uusap naman kami, pero hindi naman namin napag-uusapan 'yung laro,” the UP star shared. “Si coach, for sure, alam na non 'yung gagawin namin. Alam niya 'yung ite-train namin.“
Meanwhile, joint league leaders National University and University of Santo Tomas try to preserve their identical 5-0 win-loss records when they battle separate foes in the men’s division.
The Bulldogs face De La Salle Green Spikers (1-4) at 9 a.m., while the Tiger Spikers collide with San Beda Red Spikers (2-3) at 6 p.m.
In other men’s matches, College of Saint Benilde and University of the Philippines, tied at fourth place with 3-2 cards, clash at 1 p.m. right after the 11 a.m. duel between Far Eastern University (2-3) and winless Arellano University(0-5).
UP head coach Godfrey Okumu insisted his wards should treat the match against Yee and St. Benilde like any other match.
“I think it should not be a factor. They should just go out there and play our game,” the Kenyan coach said. “We came here to learn. They (CSB) are also a team that wants to win. They want to qualify to the Final Four. We have two losses, so we can't lose another game. That would put us in a compromising situation.”
At 2-2, Molde said the Lady Maroons need a big game to atone for a four-set loss to Adamson and tighten their grip on fourth place.
The Blazer,s led by Marites Pablo, Klarisa Abriam and Arianne Daguil, stand at 1-3.
“For me, hindi masyadong mabigat (‘yung pagkatalo). On the positive side, mas may i-improve pa kami as a team,” said the UAAP Season 78 Rookie of the Year.
“Hindi naman kasi namin sila (rookies) tinitignan as rookies. Tintignan namin sila as same level as kami. Hindi mo makikita sa trainings and sa games na rookies sila. Lumalaban din sila,” she added.