Needing to keep her team alive in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference, Diana Carlos shined for the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons.
One of the pillars of the UP team that trekked to their first UAAP Final Four appearance in a decade, Carlos amassed 22 points off 14 attacks, six blocks, and two aces and led the Lady Maroons past UAAP rivals National U Lady Bulldogs.
Carlos adjusted perfectly to her new position as middle blocker after starting her collegiate career as UP’s starting opposite hitter.
The Pampanga native said that her performance was just a matter of doing what the team needed.
“Wala naman po iyon. Ginagawa ko lang po talaga yung hinihingi sa akin ni coach. Sa tingin ko naman po ginagawa ko lang talaga yung mga bagay na kailangan namin para manalo,” Carlos expressed.
Carlos had played middle blocker before during high school although she admitted that she still preferred manning the wings.
“Well, lahat naman po gusto kong maimprove (kahit sa middle o sa opposite), pero I still prefer playing sa wings,” she insisted.
UP head coach Jerry Yee echoed this sentiment, saying that nothing is set in stone with their lineup.
“She’s been playing really well for us,” Yee said of his blue-chip recruit. “For now, marami tayong sinusubukan. We still want to develop our middles. Nothing is permanent pa naman with the players. We still need to see how everyone else will develop.”
On Monday, UP faces their biggest match of the season, having to win against the Laoag Power Smashers to secure a spot in the playoffs.
“Sobrang important for us to make another Final Four. We’ll do our best on Monday,” Carlos finished.
