FILE–University of the Philippines’ Pling Baclay in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Pling Baclay continued to step up big time for the University of the Philippines, tallying a season-best nine blocks to lead the Fighting Maroons’ gallant stand against National University in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Baclay felt two blocks shy of tying the record of Maddie Madayag, a former Ateneo player of coach Oliver Almadro, in their 25-21, 30-32. 25-17, 25-19 defeat to NU.
Madayag set the the league’s blocking record in a single game with 11 kill blocks in their five-set triumph over the University of Santo Tomas to start the second round of UAAP Season 81 exactly five years ago.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round
“I’m happy. I didn’t realize that I had nine blocks,” said Baclay, who finished with 11 points. “I was just focusing earlier, I wasn’t thinking of attacking. I just wanted to help organize our blocking.”
The rookie from Naga College Foundation has been stepping in for Niña Ytang, whose mother died recently in the past three games. She her previous career-high in blocks of seven set in their first win over the University of the East three days ago.
FILE–University of the Philippines’ Pling Baclay in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Almadro said he is pleased with Baclay’s progress as she continues to scratch the surface of her potential.
“Maddie is different. She’s a different beast. But I know Baclay will be going there as long as she keeps working hard and keeps herself humble,” the first-year UP coach said.
“I tell them every day that they have specific goals they need to achieve. And she was able to achieve her goals with the help of her teammates. I’m happy she’s doing well in the absence of Niña, and I really hope she improves more in all other aspects of skills sa volleyball.”
READ: UAAP: Pling Baclay aptly fills in as starter, helps UP end slump
Almadro still lauded the Fighting Maroons after tying the season-high 15 blocks of Far Eastern University and La Salle against last year’s runner-up NU.
“NU is a championship contender. They just push us forward. We just told ourselves to keep on fighting, we have to be fearless. Indeed, chance favors the brave,” he said.
UP coach Oliver Almadro and Pling Baclay, who had a season-high nine blocks, on their gallant stand against NU. #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/oLuXCZdFi8
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 20, 2024
“They just worked on getting those 15 blocks. They reviewed it, but of course it’s hard when you don’t win. But soon, slowly but surely. You see our statistics individually are going up. We’re happy about it. We have to see the good in everything.”
Almadro hopes his wards continue to prove that they’re “no longer pushovers” despite their 1-7 record when they face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday.