Hailing from Antipolo herself, Aby Maraño could not be prouder of the fight that the young Antipoleñas in California Sports Precision showed against her F2 Logistics on the opening day of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League.
“Proud ako diyan kasi tubong Antipolo ako.
“Sabi ko nga kay Coach Jerry [Yee] ang husay ng mga players mo tsaka nakakatuwa kasi ang ganda ng kinilos nila,” said Maraño, a proud daughter of Rizal, Antipolo.
“Ang husay hindi namin ine-expect yung igagalaw nila pero nakita niyo yung energy nila sobrang taas for them they have nothing to lose talagang in-enjoy lang nila yung game,” the 28-year-old, who had 11 points in the game, added.
The Jerry Yee-coached squad, a team that has an average age of 16 and has a player that is just 14 years old in Keisha Abitria, showed grit as early as the get-go against a Cargo Movers squad that has national team players Kalei Mau, Majoy Baron, Tin Tiamzon, Dawn Macandili, Kianna Dy, and Maraño.
Casiey Dongalo led CPS with 13 points while Jelai Gajero added eight points to go with six receptions and five digs.
And while CPS’ efforts did not translate into a win, the heart that they showed inside the taraflex definitely earned them some praise not just from Maraño, but even from Mau as well.
Photo by PNVF
“Awesome. They all have very bright futures.
“I really thanked them for coming out and giving their best because it actually helped bring us out of our two-year (hiatus),” said Mau after the 25-21, 25-14, 25-19 victory.
“Impressed ako kay number seven (Gajero)! Ang husay! Ang sipag dumepensa, masipag pumasok ng palo,” chimed Maraño.
Definitely, the future of Philippine vollleyball looks bright.
