UAAP young guns eye further progress
HAVING already their fair share and feel of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball competition, young guns Isa Molde of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons and EJ Laure of the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses are continuously improving their game while helping their teams achieve greater heights.
Two of the more notable faces in their respective squads, both Molde and Laure shared that they are happy with the way their UAAP careers have panned out so far but are aware that there are still summits for them to conquer both as individuals and part of a team.
“Last year was a good year for me, well for the rest of the team actually, as we were able to make it to the final four. So we used it as a motivation in our preparation,” said sophomore Molde, who was adjudged UAAP rookie of the year in Season 78, in a chance interview with a group of sportswriters early this week.
“Personally, I’ve been working on my conditioning, working with our trainers to be in top form,” she added.
She went on to say that they are taking delight in the result of their hard work in the offseason, with the team currently one of two teams still unblemished in the ongoing UAAP tournament at 3-0 along with the National University Lady Bulldogs.
“I believe we have improved as a group. We made changes in our roster in terms of positions but I think we have adjusted to them well,” said Molde.
One of the changes UP made was placing former libero Arielle Estranero as setter with Justine Dorog taking the former’s old position.
The noted outside hitter, however, was quick to highlight the need for the Lady Maroons not to get too caught up with their early success and continue to work as a group.
“A return to the final four is an aim for us but it won’t be given to us easily which is why we have to work for it. We need to help each other as is the case in a team and seize every opportunity that comes our way,” she said.
WORK IN PROGRESS
For third year player Laure, meanwhile, the work is currently ongoing for them.
“This is the third year I’m playing for the team and I have seen improvements happening. It’s still a process for me and the team and we are determined to push it further,” said Laure in a separate interview.
This season, the UST outside hitter pointed to service and reception as some of the things they have to fine-tune if they are to live up to their billing as one of the teams to watch out for in Season 79.
While they are off to as low start at 1-2, losing their first two matches, Laure said they are not discouraged or too pressured about it.
“We lost our first two games but we fought each time. We are not putting too much pressure on us and instead using it as a motivation to push ourselves to be the best that we can be,” said Laure, whose team bagged its first win of the season last Wednesday over the University of the East Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-9, 25-22 and 25-23.
Meanwhile, UAAP games tomorrow will see the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (1-2) take on UE (0-3) at 2 p.m. while the Ateneo Lady Eagles ( 2- 1) clash with the Adamson Lady Falcons (0-3) at 4 p.m. Venue is the Fil Oil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.