Experiments paying off: UP Maroons surge back to competency ahead of second round

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Once blasted for changing rotations at the height of a breakthrough winning run, the UP Fighting Maroons prove the doubters wrong as they resume their dark horse Final Four bid in UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – After a dead-last 1-13 finish last year, the UP Fighting Maroons are in a much favorable position in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, perched at fifth with a 3-4 record.

Under new coaching, the team is admittedly still in transition mode and expressed optimism for the road ahead.

“I think the value we earned here is momentum heading to the second round,” head coach Benson Bocboc said after a gripping five-set win against Adamson on Sunday, March 16.

“The losses are not connected since we were loose, we haven’t organized everything yet, so we’re taking it slowly, and I think this is the start…going to the second round, I think we will be able to show what this team is capable of.”

After a solid 2-0 start at the expense of UE and FEU, respectively, the team suddenly shifted rotations during the third game against Ateneo that garnered the ire of sections of Maroons fans, who felt a sudden shift ruined UP’s momentum.

Including the Ateneo loss, the Fighting Maroons lost four straight and was bound for a fifth, before Irah Jaboneta exploded for 7 of her 15 points in the deciding fifth set against Adamson.

The team overcame an explosive historic performance from Shaina Nitura, who set a new women’s record 38 points in the loss.

Niña Ytang, who had been struggling with injuries, fully brushed off her early woes with a team-high 20 points on 15 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces, while Joan Monares and rookie Kianne Olango each chipped in 15.

With Monares, Ytang, Jaboneta, Olango, and other X factors all confidence enough to step up, the Maroons look ahead to a challenging second round in a bid to clinch their first Final Four berth in six years.

“I could not stay silent, and I saw the team be rejuvenated after they saw me still fighting, and that signaled them to not give up as well,” said Jaboneta.

“If we wanted to win, we need to fight for it, whatever skill it may be, everybody needs to play hard.” – Rappler.com