‘We just did a fraction of what we are capable of,’ says UP volleybelles’ coach after loss to Ateneo

Fighting Maroons’ coach Godfrey Okumu: ‘I still believe we can do better.’

MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines had one rough start in its campaign in the UAAP Season 82 women’s volleyball tournament after losing to Ateneo in straight sets, 25-13, 25-17, 25-23, in a performance head coach Godfrey Okumu was not too pleased.

Okumu, who’s as mild-mannered as anyone can get, said his team didn’t perform to its fullest potential saying his players only gave just a tenth of what they can do.

“Our game would come, I believe we only performed at 10 percent of what we are capable of,” said Okumu Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. “The scoreline, the unforced errors, I still believe we can do better.”

“I believe that we just did a fraction of what we are capable of.”

UP got schooled in Ateneo’s unrelenting offense with the Lady Eagles tallying 37 spike points to the Fighting Maroons’ 24, and the miscues were also a problem.

The Fighting Maroons gave away 29 free points due to errors while Ateneo limited its mistakes to 17.

Okumu said that his team has to fight no matter what and that wins are fought for and not given.

“No matter how good you are in passing or spiking or blocking, it won’t matter if you won’t fight,” said Okumu. “Everything has to be fought for and they have to earn everything.”

“Nobody will give you a set or a point. You have to fight for it.”