Once one of the team’s young players, Isa Molde has matured into one of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons’ go-to veterans.
Just seven days ago, Molde, a 5-foot-7 spiker, dominated in a match the pushed the Lady Maroons into the PVL semifinals against the San Beda Lady Red Spikers.
With UP again on the brink of elimination, the 20-year-old open hitter powered in 27 points in a do-or-die Game Three against the Adamson Lady Falcons and helped her squad clinch its first Finals appearance in a major tournament in decades.
Asked about her play, Molde was quick to deflect credit to her teammates, from whom she draws her drive and focus.
“Super importante kanina kasi, siyempre gusto namin manalo at kailangan namin ilabas ‘yung laro namin talaga,” said Molde referring to her team’s dismal play in Game Two. “Kahapon kasi parang masyado naming minadali ‘yung laro namin tapos nawala kami sa laro namin.
“Siguro, with the help of my teammates, mamo-motivate ka sa pagka-hardworking nila and kung paano nila i-enjoy every game, every point.”
With a chance to clinch a momentous title, Molde says she treasures the opportunity to repat the supportive UP community. However, she keeps in mind the larger goal of winning a UAAP title in the coming Season 81 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
“Parang for UAAP ‘to eh. Dito namin makikita o makikita ng coaches kung sino ‘yung mala-lineup at kung saan sila ipepwesto kaya importanta talaga na ilabas namin ‘yung laro namin and ipakita namin sa coaches na kaya talaga namin.”
