Lady Maroons huddle during their straight-sets victory over the Lady Warriors on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in the opener of the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament at San Juan Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the Philippines flaunts a good mix of veterans and rookies with the duo of Nicole Tiamzon and skipper Kathy Bersola serving as mentors overlooking a roster full of young bloods.
The Lady Maroons unveiled their top recruits in Diana Carlos, Justine Dorog and Maria Molde and the three didn’t disappoint in their debut on Sunday in the opening day of the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament before a packed crowd at San Juan Arena.
The young troika produced a combined 23 points in a straight-sets win over University of the East as they rewarded the faith of their veteran teammates.
“Malaki tiwala ko sa rookies namin (I have big trust on our rookies),” said co-captain Tiamzon, who is in her fourth playing year.
Tiamzon, in all her seniority, doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with her younger teammates.
“Basta maging mature lang at para sa ikabubuti ng team (Just be mature and do whatever is needed for the good of the team),” she said.
Tiamzon and the rest of the Lady Maroons won the bronze medal in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference with the rookies a big reason to the team’s recent success.
And with the UAAP season just started, Tiamzon knows the rookies are more than prepared to show what they’re capable of in a bigger stage.
“It’s the UAAP and I feel that they will give their best. They will translate what they do in training to the game.”