Louis Gamban stuck with his team through every stinging loss that saw University of the Philippines on the losing end of the court in its first nine games in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament.
All the heartbreak finally ended when the Fighting Maroons notched their first win of the season on Wednesday, scoring a 13-25, 22-25, 26-24, 39-37, 15-12 escape at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The UP captain showed how it’s done, leading by example by dropping 22 points, making 16 excellent receptions, and 14 digs.
“Syempre gusto ko makita muna nila na nilalaban ko.
“Magsisimula muna sa akin yung pagkapit, yung fighting spirit na talagang makikita nila na yung captain hindi bumibitaw,” said Gamban about his mindset in the game, especially during the 49-minute long fourth set.
It was Gamban’s offense that enabled the Fighting Maroons to keep in step during the fourth set, tallying seven points during the extension, including the crosscourt kill that sent the match to a fifth set.
Other UP players also stepped up for their first win as Jaivee Malabanan delivered 21 points, Ranz Cajolo chipped in 18, while Jessie Rubin produced 10 points. Angelo Lagando also made his presence felt, scoring all of his three points in the decider.
“Nag-click naman lahat, credit sa lahat, kay coach, sa teammates ko kaya nakuha ito. Talagang ginusto namin na makuha,” added the 22-year-old outside hitter.
Although their chances of making the Final Four are slim, Gamban said that it was their losses that made them stronger together.
The Fighting Maroons had some close calls in their nine-game slump, including a five-set defeat and a four-set loss to National University in their two encounters.
“Kapag natatalo, masama naman talaga yun, pero sinasabi ko kailangan may nakukuha kaming lesson sa lahat ng natalo naming game,” said Gamban.
“May napupulot kami na kailangan pag sa panibago, may panibago kaming maipapakitang mas maayos, mas better, and ngayon dahil sa training namin ito sabi ko ifocus, itutok kung ano yung dapat pagfocus-an nag-click talaga siya.”
