A STATEMENT was being sent, it seemed, when the University of the Philippines was playing the first match of the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament.
Breezing past rebuilding University of the East in the first two sets, the Fighting Maroons were looking like bonafide playoff contenders with all of veterans Irah Jaboneta and Nina Ytang and talented transferee Casiey Dongallo making their presence felt.
In fact, State U only allowed a combined 21 points for the Lady Warriors - to that point - in moving one set away from a sweep and a strong start to the season.
Come the third frame, however, inconsistency typical of teams on the rise reared its ugly head.
Allowing Bea Zamudo and Van Bangayan get into their groove, UP saw the set get stolen from right under its nose.
"We were playing well in the beginning. This is the game we are able to play. But the third set," remarked first-year head coach Fabio Menta before pausing. "It happens many times to many teams in many countries."
Fortunately for the Fighting Maroons, the entry of Jelai Gajero energized them back on track, as she and second-year spiker Kianne Olango finished the job on win No. 1.
READ: UP keeps tormenting UE with season-opening four-set win
Diliman counted three players in double-digits, with Jaboneta and Ytang each scoring 14 and Dongallo and Gajero tallying 13 apiece.
Nowhere to go but UP
Those players themselves, though, were far from satisfied.
As Jaboneta put it, "Siyempre masaya kasi maganda yung result, pero it shows ano pa nagla-lack: yung character. Hindi pwedeng hanggang dun lang."
"Third set, nag-relax, e ang mga kalaban, 'di naman titigil. 'Di pwede yun."
And of course, the seasoned spiker put it on her shoulders to show the way, especially with team captain Joan Monares sidelined due to a back injury.
"Kailangan makita nila yung character na 'di ako bibigay. Malaking responsibilidad siya na tine-take ko rin as motivation para kung nagkakamali ako, babawi ako," said Jaboneta.
At the same time, Menta guaranteed that he and his staff will work out the kinks with their wards.
"We need to grow up," he said. "It's the first game. We'll allow the girls to be distracted a moment, but it won't happen again."
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