UAAP: Rookie Kianne Olango eager to end UP’s Final Four drought
UP rookie Kianne Olango makes her presence felt in her debut in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Kianne Olango seeks to translate her success in the girls’ division by bringing back the University of the Philippines to the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
After a successful high school career with National University Nazareth School, Olango debuted in style for UP with 15 points including four blocks to avoid a meltdown at the hands of the gritty University of the East in five sets, 25-18, 26-24, 24-26,13-25, 15-13, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Olango, who led the Lady Bullpups to a Season 85 title run and won the MVP, said she is still learning under a new environment as UP tries to rise from a string of forgettable seasons. The Fighting Maroons have not been to the Final Four for the past nine years.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament first round
Kianne Olango on her collegiate debut for UP. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/9m1okLoKKi
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“Gusto ko po talaga yung nagllearn and adventure po [ito] sa akin. I know naman na mahaba pa yung lalakbayin namin sa college and I know we can do it,” Olango told the reporters.
“Pinaka goal ko po talaga ay mag-Final Four kami. So, para sa mga ates po namin, na matagal na pong gustong magFinal Four and that’s my number one goal,” she added.
Aside from her skills and championship pedigree, the UP rookie brings her hunger and determination to the rebuilding program under coach Benson Bocboc.
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“Yung hunger po every game na dapat panalo talaga and dapat binibigay yung best, and, walang ibang iniisip talaga kundi magfocus lang sa loob ng court, focus on winning every game,” said one of the eight rookie freshmen.
Olango admitted that she felt jitters playing at a bigger venue before an ecstatic crowd and it’s one thing she needs to overcome for their next game against Far Eastern University on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
“Sa first game ko po, talagang naramdaman ko yung kaba kasi iba yung venue na ganito kalaki tapos maraming audience, and siguro sa mga next games, kailangan ko po maging matapang at matalino,” she said.
