It came as a shock to many when UST walked onto the court without three of their players: middle blocker Patrick Balse, setter Kerby Castillo, and team captain Romnick Rico. The Thomasians fought hard but were visibly missing their veterans as they ultimately succumbed to a hungry Adamson squad in four sets.
According to UST coach Odjie Mamon, the players were suspended due to disciplinary actions and he declined to elaborate on the specifics of the players’ infractions until they finish their investigation.
But it seems Coach Mamon is ready to drop the axe on the trio. “Ang recommendation ko, they be taken off the team, because it’s their last chance, they’ve broken yung binigay naming concession last time,” said Coach Mamon. “Sports is discipline, ang discipline namin is volleyball,” he added.
“I just spoke with our director, and he stands by my decision. I don’t know if mag-appeal sila sa recommendation ko. It’s their right as students and athletes ng UST,” said Mamon.
The loss of these key contributors puts a damper on UST’s title hopes as their replacements for the trio are seldom used rookies. But Coach Mamon is confident that his team will still make the Final Four and make noise. “We need two more games, we’ll work hard on getting those two games,” said Coach Mamon.
