University of the Philippines showed flashes of brilliance in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
In Season 86, the Fighting Maroons appeared to have finally made the next big leap as they defeated the women’s hoops dynasty National University, 72-69, on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Justine Domingo, who has been part of the team since Season 80 when UP went winless, said that this victory and the dawning of a new era are for all the previous Fighting Maroons.
“What we are performing right now will also reflect din sa kanila kasi alumni namin sila,” said Domingo on the past UP players.
“I’m very 100 percent sure na they are also proud of us and they will support us,” continued the Season 80 Rookie of the Year.
For the past seven seasons – excluding 83 and 84 when women’s basketball was not held – the Fighting Maroons lagged in the standings, with four winless seasons.
Domingo was part of two of those luckless years, but she said that this year’s team is different.
“Iba yung team ngayon, iba yung culture na ginawa ng team ngayon. Iba yung pagsasamahan namin, so sobrang sobrang masaya,” said Domingo.
“Kami, pursigido, ipagpapatuloy namin kung anong meron kami ngayon at syempre ii-aim natin yung goal na gusto natin marating.”
For his part, UP head coach Paul Ramos is letting his players savor this moment while also reminding them not to forget their main goal.
Ramos also lauded his coaching staff, consisting of Emilia Vega, Kooky Binamira, Aldrin Ranara, Carl Lazaro, and Julio Veloso. He brought them to the post-game interview to recognize their masterpiece.
This is the Fighting Maroons’ first win over NU since August 29, 2011 – a 60-59 escape in the second round of Season 74.
“Ten years ago I would probably agree na I would be the coach na compress the emotion but now, they really worked hard for this and we have a day to celebrate it so we will celebrate it,” said Ramos.
“But yes, tomorrow we have a game to prepare for but nonetheless, really proud of everybody down to the behind the scenes, the coaching staff, the PT, everybody,” the youthful head coach continued.
“That’s really how our culture is from the beginning of our program. It’s not gonna be about one player, it’s not gonna be about one coach but it’s all about team effort.”
