Something special brewing

Alot of buzz and excitement is surrounding the campaign of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in the current season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament. And it is not without solid reason.

To date, the Diliman- based spikers are the lone undefeated team in the UAAP with a 4-0 record midway into the opening round. They have done so as well by dropping just a solitary set in their first four games. It is something that has been unheard of, if at all, from a women’s volleyball team from UP in the UAAP.

But more than the impressive numbers, what can be gleaned from the Lady Maroons’ impressive showing so far is that the best is yet to come. And that something special is brewing over the camp of the maroon and white.

Admittedly, when UP won its first two matches, over the Adamson Lady Falcons and University of the East Lady Warriors, I was not as sold as the next Lady Maroon supporter in the stands. Never mind if they blew past said opponents with near flawless precision. The fact that Adamson and UE are considered to be “project teams” still, I viewed the wins as a given and my excitement over them was tempered.

My perception changed though when the Lady Maroons dominated the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers in straight sets in their third match and followed it up with a four-sets victory over the no-pushover University of Santo Tomas Tigresses the next game to stretch their record to 4-0.

After the last two victories, the observer in me got going and moved me to rule UP is as legit as it can get.

Looking at the way things have panned out for the Lady Maroons so far, doing it for them is the balanced team they have.

They have young veterans like Isa Molde, Diana Carlos, Ali Buitre, Arielle Estranero and Justine Dorog, who have found their footing in the league and are bent on taking their game to another level. Their inspired play has rubbed off longtime mainstays Nicole Tiamzon, Kathy Bersola and Princess Gaisler, who are playing with renewed bounce as they try to finish their collegiate careers on a high.

The Lady Maroons also have a solid bench, boasted by the likes Aieshalaine Gannaban and Mae Basarte, who have proven themselves ready when their numbers are called.

Coach Jerry Yee and his staff has done a solid job in mixing all the ingredients they have at their disposal, even making roster position changes in the offseason, to put out a “product” that has been effective and delivering well.

And the thing further about this iteration of the Lady Maroons is that they know their potential is there and that they recognize that if they are to continue ascending more still needs to be done, something they are all too willing to do.

They are preparing well every game and have a go-getting mind-set that is surely not left unnoticed by all their supporters.

At 4-0, it is a great start for UP in the UAAP WVT. There is a long way to go in the season alright but a solid foundation is being built by the Lady Maroons. Exciting times indeed. All the best, team. Nowhere to go but UP.