Tiamzon has good feel on final year with Lady Maroons

Nicole Tiamzon (right) during the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Nicole Tiamzon has just a few months before she hears her swan song in the University of the Philippines, but the fifth year outside hitter will be leaving Diliman confident there would be others who would take care of it.

“I’m quite okay, it’s a good feeling,” Tiamzon said Sunday at San Juan Arena as UP bombarded Philippine Navy for the bronze medal in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference.

“Of course I’m a bit sad because it’s my last year with UP, but at least when I leave I know the rookies can fight for the team.”

UP has a promising set of rookies in outside hitters Justine Dorog and Maria Molde, two players who are vying for Tiamzon’s position in the floor, and senior doesn’t mind giving up her place as long as it’s for the improvement of the team.

Other rookies who have made significant impact for the Lady Maroons are Diana Carlos, Sheena Chopitea, and Maria Buitre.

Tiamzon knows her wards have the talent but when the pressure creeps in, she has to step up and offer her shoulder for the rookies to lean on.

“They look up to me as an ‘ate’ [big sister] and I’m still their role model,” Tiamzon said. “I have that role with them and with that I know I can’t be seen being down. Yes they can play well and they can score points, but they still need someone who they can lean on when they’re rattled.”