Sophomore spiker Justine Dorog has started for the University of the Philippines in all of the matches in group stage action.
To start off the quarterfinals against UAAP rivals Ateneo, Lady Maroons head coach Jerry Yee pulled off a tactical change and used Marian Buitre on her stead. However, this did not come as a surprise to Dorog.
“Inexpect ko naman na si ate Marian yung mag-start. More on blocking yung tine-training namin. Mas effective [siya] sa blocking,” Dorog said.
Nevertheless, when things did not go as planned, Dorog’s number was called. The Sports Science major came in prepared.
“Sa training naman kasi nagpapalitan rin kami, parang ready lang ako just in case na ipapasok ako,” the 18 year old winger shared.
And what happened after that was stunning. The diminutive wing attacker registered back-to-back hits to close out the third set while on the defensive end, she was a steady presence.
For Dorog, she just did her part.
“Siyempre masaya. Dapat kasi ine-enjoy lang yung game,” she commented.
After registering an impressive win against their Katipunan neighbors, Justine and the rest of the Lady Maroons hope to continue the this run. “Nakuha namin yung momentum, so kailangan naming mag-gain ng morale,” she said.
And morale and energy is what Dorog gave out earlier.
“Dapat ready lang lagi,” she closed.
