HEAD COACH: Benson Bocboc
LAST SEASON: 1-13 (8th place)
HOLDOVERS: Nica Celis (captain), Niña Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Yesha Capistrano, Annikha Cabasac
SUBTRACTIONS: Jewel Encarnacion, Steph Bustrillo, Abi Goc, Pling Baclay, Heart Magsombol, Frances de Guia, Jum Gayo, Jenn Gould
ADDITIONS: Kianne Olango, Yesha Noceja, Bienne Bansil, Kassy Doering, Julia de Leon, Denise Lauchengco, Jaz Manguilimotan, Alijah Ysulan
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JUST about everybody sees next year to be the start of the University of the Philippines’ long-awaited volleyball renaissance with the arrival of Casiey Dongallo and the rest of California Academy (CAL)’s young hotshots.
The Fighting Maroons, however, have already taken the first step in their rebuild a year ago with program director-slash-coach Oliver Almadro taking the helm with the directive from the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development to follow in the footsteps of the school's now-two-time champion men's basketball team.
Now, it's all a matter of learning their lessons and maybe - just maybe - surprising just about everybody in Season 87.
Yes, State U’s last four campaigns have been dismal, as it went from fifth in Season 81, to sixth in Season 84, then seventh in Season 85, before hitting rock bottom at last-place in Season 86.
Making matters worse is the fact that the maroon-and-green had another one-win campaign for the second season year running — its lone wins in both occasions being against another cellar-dweller in University of the East.
In total, it’s now been eight years since UP last reached the Final Four thanks to a team that still featured now-PVL stars Tots Carlos and Isa Molde.
Building blocks of UP's volleyball renaissance
For Season 87, more than a few new faces on the court and at the sidelines will invigorate what is expected to be a star-studded growth spurt set to move in full swing by next year.
New coaches will be at the helm this season, led by former La Salle champion deputy and concurrent Farm Fresh head coach Benson Bocboc.
Also helping the Fighting Maroons scale new heights are veteran Fil-Hawaiian setter Alohi Robins-Hardy and ex-UE interim mentor Obet Vital.
On the taraflex itself, a quartet of juniors stars and champions will be entering the fray straight away in Diliman led by the likes of Kianne Olango, Yesha Noceja, Bienne Bansil, and one-and-done hotshot Kassy Doering.
And don't forget that two-time 2nd best middle blocker Niña Ytang is still terrorizing the net, as Nica Celis plays out her last year as a loud and proud captain of a rookie-laden squad.
Add to that Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, and Yesha Capistrano and for the first time in a long while, UP is well-equipped at every position.
It's easy to get excited about the Fighting Maroons' foreseeable future with CAL-turned-Lady Warriors aces in Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, Shamel Fernandez, and Jenalyn Umayam finally suiting up.
But in the oncoming tournament, don't be surprised if Ytang, Celis, and Co. already turn State U into a Final Four contender.
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