By: Ernest Tuazon
Colegio de San Juan de Letran and University of the Philippines, both mentored by Oliver Almadro, duked it out to cap off the opening day matches of the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena on Sunday.
The Lady Knights emerged victorious in a reverse sweep to claim their first win in the pre-season tilt.
Despite the contrasting scenarios for the respective squads after the match, Almadro remained upbeat about the futures of both Letran and UP heading into their respective campaigns in the NCAA and UAAP.
“I’m happy na lumalaban at naglalaro sila up to the last point,” said the former Ateneo mentor, who is a triple crown champion in the V-League.
“They are so determined to win and they are really fighting for their goal coming into the season into the UAAP and NCAA.”
Almadro feels confident that the rookie-laden Fighting Maroons will build the character and maturity needed in a competitive field like the UAAP.
The seasoned tactician added that he will heavily rely on Nina Ytang to guide their rookie class in hopes of improving from their 1-13 win-loss record in Season 86.
(C) V-League Images
“Yung mga rookies ng UP, kailangan slowly malaman nila na iba talaga yung labanan sa college kaysa sa high school,” the decorated tactician shared.
“It’s about yung pagiging smart, pagiging determined – yung character, kailangan ma-build pa yung strong character ng UP.”
For the Lady Knights, Almadro is confident that the team’s winning culture will endure thanks to their strong character and resiliency.
It’s worth noting that Almadro steered Letran to a silver medal finish in his first season as head coach in NCAA Season 99.
(C) V-League Images
“Maliliit kami sa Letran, but they are really resilient. That’s Letran,” Almadro said.
“Ang importante ay they are down to earth [and] they want to change the culture talaga for their story to change.”
