UP leader Molde praises young Lady Maroons, demands more from herself

Gone are the days when the troika of Molde, Diana Carlos, and Justine Dorog were considered as University of the Philippines’ new breed of Lady Maroons.

It’s been almost four years since Molde was named as the top rookie of the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament, and the incoming senior is now the one guiding her new teammates.

Just as what the likes of Nicole Tiamzon and Kathy Bersola did to her back in 2016, Molde is now the role model of youngsters Nicole Anne Magsarile and Lorielyn Bernardo.

And even though the UAAP has yet to start, Molde is already starting to see glimpses of brilliance from her younger teammates in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference.

“I think the kids are still coping with our attitudes as the seniors because before they became our teammates, when they were in high school, they were the ones who were carrying their team,” said Molde in Filipino after their three-set win over College of St. Benilde, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27, Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“They’re adjusting to just listening to us when we’re talking inside the court and you can see that these kids are willing to learn and they will follow instructions.”

Molde finished with 18 points to lead the Lady Maroons to a 3-2 record and a fourth-place standing in the eight-team ladder while Magsarile added 10.

And if Molde’s praising her younger teammates, she didn’t have one for herself.

Molde knew she had to do more as the tournament dwindles down to its last few elimination games.

“I know that I’m not playing at my best,” said Molde. “I can see it in how I play that this isn’t my top performance.”