FROM 1-13 last season to 2-0 this early.
University of the Philippines stunned Far Eastern University with a 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 victory last Wednesday night in the 87th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.
Now under coach Benson Bocboc, the Fighting Maroons’ second straight win surpassed their lone triumph in the last volley wars.
Bocboc, a longtime deputy of La Salle legendary tactician Ramil De Jesus, likes what he sees from the Katipunan-based belles so far.
“So far maganda, may sinubukan lang kami, nag-work naman,” Bocboc said. “Tingnan natin baka mas mag-adapt pa sila sa sistema ng defense then we’ll take it from there.
“Tapos kung paano magpro-progress, kung ano iyong mga adjustment noong teams, paisa-isa,” he added.
Joan Monares showed the way for UP with 19 points while rookie Kianne Olango chimed in 17 markers.
Nina Ytang also had 15 points on nine spikes, four blocks, and two aces while Irah Jaboneta delivered 11 markers, 12 receptions, and seven digs for the Maroons.
The challenge now is for UP to sustain its early charge.
“Sa tingin ko natural sila, pagdating ko hindi naman ako nahirapan kasi humahabol talaga sila ng bola at dume-depensa talaga sila. Gusto nila maglaro ng volleyball—iyon naman nakakatuwa sa mga younger generation na upcoming, talagang wala silang pakialam kung masaktan sila, basta maitaas iyong bola,” Bocboc said. “Minsan nakakalimutan, nire-remind lang natin sila sa labas. Pero in general nakakabalik naman.
“Iyon, tingnan natin hanggang saan. Pero ang goal namin, dire-diretso. Iyong depensa na iyan, iyong block na iyan, lahat iyan tuloy-tuloy. Iyon ang trina-trabaho namin.”
