BY GWEN BERGADO
AFTER a rousing start in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball tournament, University of the Philippines has hit a major roadblock.
Following impressive victories University of the East and Far Eastern University, things went south for the Fighting Maroons as they’ve dropped four consecutive games to drop to sixth place at 2-4
Team skipper Nica Celis was blunt when talking about their recent struggles, while also admitting that their schedule isn’t getting any easier following the string of losses, most recently to defending champion National University.
“Marami eh, andun yung part na skills, andun yung part na character ng player,” she said.
“Medyo pabigat ng pabigat din ‘yung laban.”
Walang takot, kahit kanino
But owing to their famous chant, the Fighting Maroons aren’t about to wilt in the face of tougher games.
After all, aside from being ‘matatalino,’ Iskas are also known for being ‘matatapang,’ and they promise to courageously fight on as they try to traverse a road that will only get tougher moving forward.
“Currently, we are still trying to find the perfect system that could work for the team,” the 5-foot-10 Fighting Maroon shared.
“We’re trying to stay optimistic. And not criticize each other too much, rather just support each other.”
It also helps that their newly-minted tactician Benson Bocboc keeps an open line with his players, open to suggestions as to what could work and the things that could turn the season around for the suddenly slumping Fighting Maroons.
“He’s very open to listening to what could work for the team.” the captain remarked about him.
Still, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic for Diliman.
Wth the team eclipsing the wins that they tallied last season six games into the tournament, things are certainly looking up for the Fighting Maroons.
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