University of the Philippines was full of hope entering the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Despite being 1-1 in the standings, the team packed a punch as it had the likes of Isa Molde, Tots Carlos, Marist Layug, Rem Cailing, and Justine Dorog lead the way.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing the league to cancel the tournament.
With a year passing by with no games being played, the quintet left for greener pastures, turning pro in the Premier Volleyball League.
But during that time, Fighting Maroons head coach Godfrey Okumu did not stop, eventually unearthing a gem in Taytung High School’s Alyssa Bertolano.
And on Thursday, she finally made her debut — a dream come true for the Talisay, Negros Occidental-native.
“It was exciting to be back, and playing in UAAP is my dream,” the 19-year-old said.
“It’s a big opportunity for me to represent UP women’s volleyball team, that’s all.”
For someone who idolizes Carlos, Bertolano also proved prolific for the Fighting Maroons.
When UP needed to finish the tightly contested third set, the outside hitter ended the match with a strong hit and a service ace.
Bertolano just seized the moment and showed up in her first-ever UAAP game with 20 points on 18 attacks, one ace, and one block. More importantly, she led the Fighting Maroons to a three-set win over University of the East.
“I’m excited to play, and sobrang gaan lang po sa pakiramdam na kilala mo yung teamamtes mo, that’s why po parang ang easy lang po ng laro ngayon.”
Definitely, a star was born. And Bertolano’s outing is just the start of the new chapter for the Fighting Maroons’ Women’s Volleyball Team.
“Honestly about the new team, the new players let’s just say we’ll see a new chapter in the UP women’s volleyball team,” said Okumu.
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