Pling Baclay and the UP Fighting Maroons post their first win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Pling Baclay proved her worth for University of the Philippines with a season-high seven blocks to end the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament first round on a high note.
Filling in the big shoes of reigning Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang, Baclay rose to the occasion in UP’s 25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 25-17 win over the skidding University of the East to end a 17-game skid on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Thankful po ako kela coach na pinagkatiwalaan po ako nila this time. Knowing na wala si Ate Nina parang nasa isip ko kailangan ko mag-step up sa team para maipakita ko kung paano si Ate Nina sa court and magawa ko kung anong mga ginagawa niya,” said Baclay, who finished with 10 points.
WATCH: Pling Baclay on filling in big shoes. #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/OhmU7YjjQT
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UP coach Oliver Almadro, who earned his first win as the Fighting Maroons tactician, was proud of his rookie after showing no signs of intimidation in her starting role as Ytang missed the last two games after losing her mother last week.
“We’re proud, proud kami as a rookie na mapa-ngiti ngiti—pagdating kasi sa kanya naghahardwork, pangiti-ngiti lang, hindi natatakot mahirapan. Responsable siya kung ano magiging (role),” said Almadro. “[She’s] hard working and napaka saya namin kasi nga nabigyan siya ng opportunity and she took the responsibility, big shoes to fill in, pero as a rookie hindi siya natakot.”
“Yun naman ang meron yung UP, laban lang and yung faith, will and desire magdeliver nandon so thank you (Pling).”
The Naga College Foundation product was thrilled to receive the support she’s been receiving from her teammates, coaches, and UP supporters, who inspire her to show the talent of a Bicolana and play better as her UAAP career goes on.
“Nakaka-overwhelm yun kasi maraming nagsasabi na from Naga daw. Namomotivate ako in that way na madaming nagpupush sa akin na go lang, push pa next game mas naging matapang ako,” said Baclay.
UP, which won one of its seven games, opens its second-round stint against No.3 National University (5-2) on Wednesday at the Big Dome.
The rookie middle blocker vows to stay ready for the Fighting Maroons.
“Kailangan po namin magwork hard and maging consistent sa ginagawa namin. Maybe in the next round mas tatapangan pa namin,” she said.