Kath Arado was about 20 feet away from UP’s frontline with a net standing in her way, but she still locked down and suffocated the Lady Maroons’ offense.
The Lady Maroons’ game plan was straightforward – keep their attacks and serves away from University of the East’s libero. But Arado would not be denied.
UP prevailed in their Season 81 opening match, but needed five sets to put away the Lady Warriors. The Lady Maroons were even down 1-2 after three frames.
All throughout, Arado zipped around the court, keeping plays alive, and was the main reason UE were always within reach of UP.
“They have a good libero, she’s doing a good job, so we also have to accept that,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu of Arado.
“It’s hard to play against a very strong defense. So we have to think even how we’re going to execute when it comes to spiking. So they played well.”
Meanwhile, Lady Maroons captain Tots Carlos took particular note of the Season 80 Best Receiver and Digger. Carlos managed just 17 points on 15-for-65 attacking.
“Sabi ko nga lagi ‘pag kalaro namin ang UE, para akong nakikipag-spike-receive kay Kath. Sakto ‘yung mga bola na binibigay ko, sakto nasa kanya,” said Carlos, UP’s Best Scorer last year.
“Siyempre ‘pag andoon ka na sa game, hindi mo na masyadong iniisip, lalo na ‘pag maganda ‘yung set. Papaluin mo na lang eh. Pero we have to really accept na magaling talaga si Kath,” the senior Lady Maroon added.
“Lagi namang part ng game plan na hindi sa libero ibigay yung serve, pero at some point eh siya na kumukuha buong court, so hindi mo na maiiwas sa kanya ‘yun.”
For her part, Arado is expecting the same treatment from all teams this year. After all, she is the catalyst of UE’s offense and defense.
“Wala nga eh. Totoo, ‘yung mga past two sets ata… first set pa lang wala na akong natanggap na bola. Saan kaya ako pepwesto na makukuha ko ‘yung bola, kasi wala talaga napupunta sa akin. Pinapagod talaga nila ‘yung dalawang open namin,” recalled the top libero in college.
“Siguro, kay Tots talaga – ‘yung nga jump serve niya, doon na ako nakakuha ng bola. Pero ‘yung palo, wala talaga. Ewan ko ba sa UP, nanggigil din ako. Siguro, nakakatuwa kapag ganoon ‘yung plano ng team. Siyempre, specialty ng tao ‘yun, bakit mo ta-targetin, ‘di ba? Kailangan naming trabahuhin na lahat talaga magtrabaho.”
Arado compiled 32 digs and 18 excellent receptions – incredible numbers given UP’s deliberate avoidance of her.
And he assures that can she still keep this torrid pace going for 13 games – maybe even a Final Four run.
“Oo, kaya pa. May thirteen games tapos additional na Final Four.”
