UAAP Season 79 Preview: UP Lady Maroons | ABS-CBN
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UAAP Season 79 Preview: UP Lady Maroons
UAAP Season 79 Preview: UP Lady Maroons
Camille B. Naredo,
ABS-CBN News
Published Feb 02, 2017 07:20 AM PHT
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MANILA, Philippines – After ending a 13-year Final Four drought last year, can the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons make another breakthrough in the UAAP Season 79 women's volleyball tournament?
MANILA, Philippines – After ending a 13-year Final Four drought last year, can the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons make another breakthrough in the UAAP Season 79 women's volleyball tournament?
Season 78 record: 8-6
Season 78 record: 8-6
Season 78 summary: The UP Lady Maroons were expected to contend in Season 78, thanks to a troika of talented rookies in Isa Molde, Diana Carlos, and Justine Dorog, as well as their battle-tested veterans led by Nicole Tiamzon and Kathy Bersola.
Season 78 summary: The UP Lady Maroons were expected to contend in Season 78, thanks to a troika of talented rookies in Isa Molde, Diana Carlos, and Justine Dorog, as well as their battle-tested veterans led by Nicole Tiamzon and Kathy Bersola.
The Lady Maroons lived up to those expectations and more. Their best stretch came in the middle of the tournament, when they strung together four consecutive victories highlighted by a four-set takedown of then-defending champion Ateneo de Manila University.
The Lady Maroons lived up to those expectations and more. Their best stretch came in the middle of the tournament, when they strung together four consecutive victories highlighted by a four-set takedown of then-defending champion Ateneo de Manila University.
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That winning streak gave UP a 6-3 win-loss record, but their Final Four stint was not assured until their final game of the tournament, when they overpowered University of Santo Tomas to secure their first semifinals berth since Season 65.
That winning streak gave UP a 6-3 win-loss record, but their Final Four stint was not assured until their final game of the tournament, when they overpowered University of Santo Tomas to secure their first semifinals berth since Season 65.
Their Final Four appearance turned out to be brief, as the Lady Maroons were swept by the Lady Eagles in the semis. Still, it was a promising campaign for UP, and Molde would go on to be named the season's top rookie after scoring 176 points for the Lady Maroons in just her first year.
Their Final Four appearance turned out to be brief, as the Lady Maroons were swept by the Lady Eagles in the semis. Still, it was a promising campaign for UP, and Molde would go on to be named the season's top rookie after scoring 176 points for the Lady Maroons in just her first year.
Key losses: Jewel Lai
Key losses: Jewel Lai
Projection: UP brings back nearly every player from their roster last season, with setter Jewel Lai as the most notable loss to the line-up. On paper, they should be at least a Final Four contender, especially with the trio of Nicole Tiamzon, Kathy Bersola, and Pia Gaiser determined to make a mark in their final seasons for UP.
Projection: UP brings back nearly every player from their roster last season, with setter Jewel Lai as the most notable loss to the line-up. On paper, they should be at least a Final Four contender, especially with the trio of Nicole Tiamzon, Kathy Bersola, and Pia Gaiser determined to make a mark in their final seasons for UP.
Some roster issues can come up, however, especially when it comes to the setter position. With Lai out, UP coach Jerry Yee put Mae Basarte in as their playmaker, and she had some solid moments during their stints in the V-League. Basarte has struggled with a nagging elbow injury, however, and shortly before the start of the season, it was announced that former libero Ayel Estrañero will serve as their setter.
Some roster issues can come up, however, especially when it comes to the setter position. With Lai out, UP coach Jerry Yee put Mae Basarte in as their playmaker, and she had some solid moments during their stints in the V-League. Basarte has struggled with a nagging elbow injury, however, and shortly before the start of the season, it was announced that former libero Ayel Estrañero will serve as their setter.
The Lady Maroons have been upbeat despite the repeated adjustments that they have had to make, with Bersola in particular lauding Estrañero's patience and leadership. If Estrañero does end up as the answer to UP's setter questions, the Lady Maroons should be even more dangerous in Season 79 given the expected improvements of their attackers from last year.
The Lady Maroons have been upbeat despite the repeated adjustments that they have had to make, with Bersola in particular lauding Estrañero's patience and leadership. If Estrañero does end up as the answer to UP's setter questions, the Lady Maroons should be even more dangerous in Season 79 given the expected improvements of their attackers from last year.
Still, UP's super seniors, especially Bersola and Tiamzon, will likely shoulder the bulk of the pressure, especially when it comes to leadership. If Molde and Carlos do make great strides in their game, expect the Lady Maroons to again contend for a spot in the Final Four and make even more noise should they get there.
Still, UP's super seniors, especially Bersola and Tiamzon, will likely shoulder the bulk of the pressure, especially when it comes to leadership. If Molde and Carlos do make great strides in their game, expect the Lady Maroons to again contend for a spot in the Final Four and make even more noise should they get there.
What they said: "I don't know about what everyone else thinks, but for me, it's now or never since it's my last year. So for me, it is my time, it is our time, the seniors. So 'yun talaga, gagawan talaga namin ng paraan. Ta-trabahuhin talaga namin, para maging kami naman, para maging turn namin. But we have to work on it, hindi naman siya ibibigay ng iba, so we will make it our time." – Kathy Bersola.
What they said: "I don't know about what everyone else thinks, but for me, it's now or never since it's my last year. So for me, it is my time, it is our time, the seniors. So 'yun talaga, gagawan talaga namin ng paraan. Ta-trabahuhin talaga namin, para maging kami naman, para maging turn namin. But we have to work on it, hindi naman siya ibibigay ng iba, so we will make it our time." – Kathy Bersola.
For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.
For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.
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