Just when the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons needed her the most, fourth-year open hitter Isa Molde delivered a masterful performance.
The 19-year-old Cebuano punched in 19 points to power UP in their crucial outing against the San Beda Lady Red Spikers in the PVL Collegiate Conference. She was deadly-efficient, converting 17 of her 26 attack attempts and digging 16 of 18 spikes that went her way.
Being one of the veterans on the team, Molde wanted to lead by example and keep the Lady Maroons in the tournament.
“‘Yung game na ‘yun ‘yung magpapasok sa amin sa semis.
“‘Yung mga bata naman, nagre-rely sa amin sa seniors pero alam din naman nila ‘yung kailangan nilang gawin. Gusto ko rin lang na maglaro pa — kaming lahat actually,” said the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Rookie of the Year.
Facing top-seeded Adamson Lady Falcons in the best-of-three semis, the 5-foot-7 spiker hopes she and her young teammates can continue improving. As the Lady Maroons keep shuffling their rotation, Molde wants to remain consistent.
“Importante na manalo. Pero, kami kasi, nagbibuild pa kami ng team. Mga bago ‘yung kasama namin, achievment na manalo kami. Siguro, gusto lang talaga namin maglaro pa,” she expressed.
“Hindi naman mahirap for us kasi hindi naman mahirap kasama ‘yung mga bata. Sobrang nage-enjoy talaga sila sa game. Actually, sila ‘yung mas may energy. Ganoon talaga pag freshie. Kahit naman tumagal na sila sa UP, ganyan pa din ang attitude nila.”
