Joan Monares hopes to finish the job in UAAP Season 88 after the UP Fighting Maroons fell painfully short of the Final Four last year.
The UP Fighting Maroons were a late revelation in UAAP Season 87, making the Final Four race interesting down the stretch.
Now loaded with a reinforced lineup, senior hitter Joan Monares hopes to get over the hump this time as the Fighting Maroons go for their first semis stint since UAAP Season 78.
Playing a pivotal role in last year’s push, Monares believes that the motivation is even higher this time especially after coming close last year.
With players like Casiey Dongallo, and Jelai Gajero now joining the fight, Monares is excited to make a run in Season 88.
“I think we're craving for more. We had it last season, almost there. We're almost there, but kinapos lang,” Monares lamented.
“So, we're training so hard, we're working so hard sa training para makuha yung goals namin this season. Kasi, we know that we can do more, and we can play and perform even better,” she continued.
Along with Monares, the likes of Nina Ytang and Irah Jaboneta also opted to stay in UP in hopes on building last year's solid effort.
But as she steps into a new role as captain, Monares is also treading lightly.
“Siguro, I take it as a responsibility, not merely as a title na captain ka,” Monares said.
“I believe na I have to set an example sa teammates ko. So, as much as possible, [I try to be] not parang [a] senior-senior, but more of like an ate na they can ask for help, they can approach if they have questions, to guide them inside the heart if there's any confusion.”
A new mentality
It’s not just the players who will be new for UP, though, with head coach Fabio Menta also making his debut with the Diliman-based team.
Joan Monares steps into the role of captain in UP’s bid for a Final Four slot in UAAP Season 88 with new head coach Fabio Menta. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
With many moving parts entering UAAP Season 88, Monares said that UP is getting in rhythm with each other.
Still, Monares believes they have the time before the action begins next weekend.
“With the system, I think, it's easier for me, personally, to adjust. But knowing that there are other girls na bago pala sa system, I think sa kanila, siguro medyo naninibago, adjustment pa din… Kasi medyo mahirap nga kasi knowing na iba-iba yung pinanggalingan ng ibang girls,” she said.
“We worked on it then, we asked for some help to, you know, gel yung team. We had team building to know more about each other. So, I think now, better [na kami].”
The Fighting Maroons will get a feel of how they do as a team when they open their campaign against the UE Lady Warriors on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.