MANILA, Philippines—A defeat in the opening game of the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament isn’t enough to dampen University of the East’s confidence.
Captain Kath Arado said the Lady Warriors’ five-set loss to University of the Philippines, 25-12, 22-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12, Saturday at Filoil Flying V Center is just a cross mark in their schedule.
“Yeah, we can still do it, we have 13 more games and some additional in the Final Four,” said Arado in Filipino.
READ: UP rallies to take five-setter over UE in UAAP volleyball opener
“We just didn’t have it in the end, our tank ran out. The coaches told us in the end that it became a battle of maturity and UP already has that since its players moved smoothly and I think we have to work on that.”
Arado finished the first game of the tournament with 21 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions as she tried to will the Lady Warriors in the game albeit ending in a loss.
Although Arado finished with solid numbers in the defensive end, most of UP’s attacks weren’t directed at her and were instead sent to wing spikers Judith Abil and Mary Ann Mendrez.
“I wasn’t receiving any attacks since the first set so I kept on thinking where I would position myself because nothing came my way,” said Arado. “I got fired up and I think it’s good to think that UP’s game plan was to really avoid me.”
“Defense is my specialty and why would you [the Lady Maroons] target me if I can easily receive it.”