The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons have finally won back-to-back matches in the ongoing Open Conference of the Shakey’s V-League. However, the wins are “as expected” on paper.
Fourth-year head coach Jerry Yee shared that he feels they are still adjusting to player positions, citing Diana Mae Carlos’ use as a center attacker in their most recent win against Iriga City. He also added, “Hindi pa yan. Malayo pa tayo,” talking about the team’s readiness in tougher battles, especially in the UAAP.
Starting setter Mae Basarte echoed this sentiment of her mentor. Basarte herself has needed to adjust quickly when called upon to replace Jewel Lai in the lineup. “Nilagay ako sa Baguio [for Intercollegiate], para mag-gain ako ng experience. So, nagamit ko talaga siya sa Shakey’s. Sabi naman ni Coach, dapt lagi akong handa. Nung nandun na ko, nakapag-adjust na ko,” she said.
Basarte noted how they have improved from the start of the tournament, when they lost badly to the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors. She said, “OK na sa ngayon. Lalo na yung sa mga plays kasi pinapractice naman namin siya.” The incoming second-year setter added, “Nung una mabagal eh, wala masyadong play. Puro open. Ngayon, nakakapag-quick na kami.”
When asked about the team being one of the top receivers in the league, Mae shared that it really helped her distributing the ball to her attackers as well. “Yun talaga yung hindi dapat mawala sa ‘min, yung receive,” she said. However, Basarte still feels UP needs to do it consistently.
The last two preliminary games for the Lady Maroons are crucial for their ambitions of reaching their second straight V-League semifinals. Coach Yee said that it would be a gauge of where the UP women’s volleyball program is now.
For his players, particularly Basarte, they feel the Lady Maroons need to pick up their pace in these games. She said, “Sa training dapat magsipag lalo, walang tatamad-tamad dapat.” The setter furthered, “Kailangan pa naming bilisan eh. Medyo mabagal pa kami.”
In the crucial games, Basarte knows that with some key adjustments, the Lady Maroons will be ready for the National University Lady Bulldogs and the Laoag City Power Smashers. And speaking like a true Fighting Maroon, she ended, “Laban lang ng laban.”
