NCAA women's volleyball champion consultant Aleksi Lahteenmaki will yet again serve as acting coach for the University of the Philippines in its match against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday to end UAAP Season 88.
Lahteenmaki, a Finnish player-turned-coach only 22 years old, will temporarily step into the post in lieu of Fabio Menta, who has asked permission to take care of his well-being for the meantime.
The UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development as well as main backer Strong Group Athletics have allowed Menta to tend to his health, but also made it clear he remains Fighting Maroons head coach and may return whenever he sees fit.
For now, State U tries to close its campaign on a high note under the guidance of Lahteenmaki, who had just helped the Lady Knights to their first championship in 27 years.
"We hope coach Fabio feels better sooner than later, so for our last game this season, let's just all support coach Aleksi and the rest of our girls in trying to get us a season-ending win," said UP OASD Director Bo Perasol.
Lahteenmaki has been under Menta's tutelage since the former chose to begin his coaching career following the end of his tour of duty for Finland's under-18 national team.
He already got his feet wet, as UP's must-win match against Adamson on Wednesday.
READ: Peaking Adamson takes playoff fight out of Ytang-led UP
Now the Fighting Maroons are already eliminated from contention, he will try to give Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Joan Monares a fitting farewell to their collegiate careers.
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