UNIVERSITY of the Philippines' 'Atin 'to' battlecry worked wonders against University of Santo Tomas anew, helping the Lady Maroons this time in ending a four-game slump at the expense of the Tigresses, 31-33, 25-23, 25-16, 25-12, in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.
UP was one point away from winning the second set, 24-21, before UST saved two set points, 23-24, and threatened to steal the set.
Lady Maroons coach Godfrey Okumu called a timeout and at the end of the huddle, Marian Buitre shouted “Atin ‘to!” which was popularized by UP men’s basketball star Paul Desiderio coincidentally also during their match against UST.
“Siyempre napanood namin si Paul Desiderio buong puso niya binigay kung ano meron siya. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto ng teammates namin,” shared UP skipper Diana Carlos.
After the timeout, Ayel Estrañero blocked Carla Sandoval to even the match 1-1 and gained confidence to finish off the match.
“Importante kasi nag bi-build kami ng confidence, na-build naman namin so sana sa next game magawa namin ang mga nangyari ngayon and gaya ng sabi ni coach, gusto niya na aggressive,” said Isa Molde.
Meanwhile, UP coach Godfrey Okumu joined the party.
Molde and Carlos asked the Kenyan mentor to say “laban” during the post-game interview.
“Laban? Is it sombedy’s name? Oh, it means fight. Ok, laban!” said Okumu.
UP snapped a four-game losing skid and improved to 2-4 tied with its victim at the sixth spot.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
