Resurgent Lady Maroons out to surprise UAAP volley field

If the 2018 club leagues were to be the gauge, University of the Philippines will be a major force to reckon with in the coming collegiate wars.

The Lady Maroons topped the collegiate divisions of both the Philippine Superliga (PSL) and the Premier Volleyball League last year, offering another option outside of current league heavyweights like defending champion La Salle and Ateneo.

“UP volleyball has been a Cinderella story,” said team manager Rommel Sytin of United Auctioneers Inc., and Foton. “From bottom-dwellers just a few years back, it has become a formidable team.”

Sytin said UP, led by 20-year-olds Tots Carlos and Maristela Layug and Ayel Estrañero, is up for the challenge that includes equally hungry teams like University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University.

Team captain Carlos said the squad competing in the tournament which opens Feb. 16 would be an even stronger bunch.

“This is not yet the team [for UAAP]. We expect more players to join,” said Carlos, the Most Valuable Player in the PSL Collegiate Grand Slam.

Sytin, taking over the reins of his late brother Dominic, said he would continue to support the Lady Maroons who finished sixth overall during the previous season.

“I believe in the potential of the team and I will try to continue the advocacy of my brother who was very hands-on with the team not only financially, but as their biggest cheerleader,” he added.

The Lady Maroons last won the UAAP title in the 1982-1983 season.

National U is the defending men’s and girls’ titlist.