The UP Fighting Maroons did not lack motivation in securing their first win in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 17.
The UP Fighting Maroons had plenty of motivation heading into their final first round match of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 17.
After pulling off their first win of the season following an impressive four-set win over the UE Lady Warriors, 25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 25-17, coach Oliver Almadro immediately bared the team's inspiration during the match.
"We offer this to ma'am Mona [Adviento], our sports psych who just passed away," Almadro said during the post-game press conference.
"Kay Niña [Ytang], for her mother. Wala si Niña ngayon pero we share this win with her," he added.
UP's win ended a 17-game losing streak dating back to March 5, 2023, during the first round of UAAP Season 85.
That's why Almadro, who is in his first year as UP's head coach, also shared another motivation for him and his players in securing their first win.
"Napaka-sarap manalo ulit. Mahirap manalo and wearing the Maroon shirt, winning for the Maroons really means a lot," said Almadro.
"Sabi namin kanina, we will sing our alma mater ahead of them. 'Yun ang motivation namin, pinaghuhugutan namin, so 'yun nga kumanta kami ahead of them, so 'yun ang motivation ng mga players na ito," he added.
With the pressure now off for the Fighting Maroons, the Diliman-based squad will look to start the second round on a positive note as they face National University on Wednesday, March 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 2:00 p.m.