When the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons lost their eighth match in 11 tries, barely anyone from the media wanted to talk to Godfrey Okumu, save for a few UP campus journalists.
Although visibly weathered by the string of losses in his first UAAP campaign, Okumu still mustered his signature positive disposition.
“We’ll finish strong,” he vowed. The Kenyan tactician said other things, but he guaranteed the UP supporters were not going to end the season disappointed.
After the Holy Week break, the Lady Maroons immediately made true on their coach’s vow, slamming the free-falling National University Lady Bulldogs.
Proving that their resurgence was not a fluke, State U out-worked their Katipunan neighbors Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in what could be the shock of the season.
“You know what I’m about to say?” Okumu said to open their post-game press conference following their win over Ateneo, flashing an assuring grin.
“Finish strong. That’s what we came to do and that’s what we did and I hope on the next coming game in the weekend, we will try to do the same we will just have to finish strong.
“We’re still trying to build up but we’re almost there,” the first-year tactician pointed out.
At 5-8, the Lady Maroons have an outside chance at the Final Four if they win their final game against the UE Lady Warriors and both the NU Lady Bulldogs and the Adamson Lady Falcons lose their final matches.
Regardless, the Lady Maroons are happy to play without pressure.
“Siyempre, ‘yung chance namin sa Final Four medyo tagilid so sinasabi na lang namin na no pressure, laro na lang,” closed UP ace spiker Tots Carlos, who tallied 22 points against Ateneo.
“So ayun, kita naman sa laro na no pressure, laro na lang. Kita naman sa laro na nag-e-enjoy na lang and enjoy every point and walang kahit ano eh sobrang saya lang talaga.”
