The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons ended their breakthrough season on Wednesday, bowing out to the defending champs Ateneo Lady Eagles in the Final Four.
It was UP’s first taste of the semifinals since 2003.
Technically, there weren’t any Lady Maroon who exhausted their playing years. But Iskos have a tendency to not use up their final year of eligibility.
Fourth year team captain Kathy Bersola, on the contrary, confirmed her return next season.
“Hindi ako nag-therapy nang halos isang taon para lang isang year lang ang laruin ko,” Bersola said referring to the severe ACL tear she suffered midway through Season 77.
“Ayoko yung last game ko ganoon din lang,” she added referring to her eight-point performance against the Lady Eagles.
Bersola also added that this team still can contend next season with a little more maturity and chemistry.
“Sabi nga ni coach naka-alis na kami sa bottom four, gugustuhin pa ba naming bumalik doon. Sobrang roller-coaster ng season na ito. Hopefully, makapag-adjust pa kami next season and we can play better.”
Fourth year open hitter Nicole Tiamzon, on the other hand, is still on the fence about returning for her final playing year.
“Wala pa akong masagot ngayon. Marami pang pwedeng mangyari. Looking forward, love ko din naman yung teammtes ko. As of now, I don’t know,” Tiamzon said.
The Sports Science major was the best Lady Maroon on the court against Ateneo, scoring 13 points. When the rookies folded beneath the pressure, Tiamzon mustered her best performance.
“Gusto ko kasi talaga lumaban. Kung last game ko na ‘to, gusto kong mabawi lahat ng nawala sa akin sa loob ng court,” she said.
Still, Tiamzon couldn’t help but talk about the team’s potential, using we instead of them when referring to the team.
“Yung team namin, hindi lang basta rookies and veterans. We’re one. Siguro, at least, may experience na kami sa Final Four. Sabi nga ni coach, tandaan namin ‘to para next year, hindi na kami magulat.”
With Isa Molde, Justine Dorog, Diana Carlos and the rest of UP’s young core getting another year of experience and conditioning, UP will definitely be a contender for seasons to come.
