University of the Philippines uncovered some gems in Bulacan to secure a spot in the postseason of the UAAP Season 85 Softball Tournament after missing the most recent season’s Final Four in a playoff.
One of the key additions was pitcher KC Valino.
After losing to the powerhouse Adamson University in last season’s Finals, Valino and the rest of the UP side were fueled by that achievement they had in their first year together in the UAAP.
And this time, the squad is dedicating this campaign to its seniors.
“Yung motivation na lang talaga namin ngayong taon is ‘yung maraming ga-graduate sa’min, kaya gusto talaga naming na makuha ‘yung season na ‘to habang kumpleto pa kami,” the ace pitcher shared.
“Para kapag umalis ‘yung mga senior namin, maganda ‘yung iiwanan nilang record dito sa UP.”
The Fighting Maroons’ season has been good so far, but a little rocky compared to the previous year.
Nonetheless, the Diliman-based side knew that to get back on track, it had to catch some breaks in the game.
And Valino was the epitome of that focus when they faced University of Santo Tomas on Saturday for a do-or-die game to extend UP’s season.
“Ako, tinitignan ko talaga ‘yung pinaghirapan talaga namin na hindi kami papayag agad-agad na mawala sa ‘min ‘tong season na ‘to. Kasi nung nakaraan, ayon na kami eh,” the 22-year-old shared.
“Kailangan lang talagang naming dagdagan ‘yung effort namin. Sinasabi ko talaga sa mga teammates ko na, ‘Atin ‘to, atin ‘tong season na ‘to. Gawin natin ‘yung best natin.'”
With a rousing 4-1 win against the UST Tiger Softbelles, the Fighting Maroons earned a lease of life.
The Fighting Maroons will be preparing for another sudden-death game against the already-eliminated but dangerous Ateneo side when the action resumes after the Holy Week break.
“Ang mindset talaga namin, ang tinatak namin sa isip namin is bawal na kaming matalo. Once matalo tayo, tapos na ‘yung season na ‘to. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung nakatatak sa ‘min,” the fourth-year Physical Education major, Valino, ended.
