UAAP women's volleyball preview: Time's ripe for UP

MANILA, Philippines – Is the time now for the UP women’s volleyball team?

That’s a resounding yes. 

The core of the team is in their junior or senior year. They have a coach in Godfrey Okumu who they believe in. They’ve had the requisite heartache, learning curve and experience. And they showed that their late charge in UAAP Season 80 was no fluke when they bagged the PSL and PVL collegiate crowns. 

Now, flush with confidence and with the veterans, players and bench to compete, they are ready to make good on the promise they first showed three seasons ago.

One advantage for these Fighting Lady Maroons is their depth in every position. They have one of the best scorers in the game in Tots Carlos and Isa Molde, who has shed her confidence problems. They have a wall right in the middle with Marianne Buitre, Marist Layug, Aie Gannaban and Jessma Ramos. They have a duo that can lead their playmaking in Ayel Estrañero and Rem Cailing. They have Remelyn Altomea and Justine Dorog to rotate at libero. Rosie Rosier, Caca Sandoval and rookie Mirgie Bautista from De La Salle Lipa will provide support in the scoring.

In my opinion, this is a two-year window to win a UAAP crown with this core. Let’s be clear on that — with this core. 

The target isn’t just a Final Four slot, but if the Lady Maroons can land a finals berth, that would be par for the course they have charted. Anything less than these two goals will be a massive disappointment. 

While they know they are good, they are aware how fickle the UAAP season is. A win streak here and there doesn’t mean a thing until they get closer to the end of the elimination round. So one thing that bears watching is how they handle adversity and playing when the pressure is on.

Not to disparage them, during their late season display, there wasn’t any pressure; after all, they were just looking for a good finish. It is easier to play when there are fewer expectations. But now the expectations are back.

In years past, it was an annual crisis of confidence for the UPWVT. Through the last several years, we’ve seen huge wins and yet even more spectacular losses and freefalls. I’d like to believe that their off-season success has done wonders for them. 

Nevertheless, what they need is a good start to their campaign and hunt for a championship. And I’ve got a gut feeling we are going to see them all the way to the end.