No need for a nudge from UP head coach Benson Bocboc to tap into UP’s fighting spirit as they powered through to a stunning five-set upset over the NU Lady Bulldogs.
UP student-athletes are called Fighting Maroons for a good reason — at least as far as UPWVT head coach Benson Bocboc is concerned.
That is, the Fighting Maroons are always able to dig deep into themselves to be able to eke out the biggest of wins, even when they’re up against the previously unscathed defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs in their second round encounter.
Despite going down a set, 1-2, and being down late in Set 5, 11-12, the Fighting Maroons were able to pull through for a stunning upset of the Lady Bulldogs, who were handed their first loss in 11 games — a streak that started back during the Final Four of UAAP Season 86.
[READ:
UP shocks defending champion NU in five-set thriller behind Ytang’s 30 points]
After the game, Bocboc said that it wasn’t his job anymore to remind his players to steady themselves mentally and that for the Fighting Maroons, going toe-to-toe with the best of them is already their second nature.
“Umpisa palang, ang sabi ko sa kanila laban talaga sila, UP laban. Bago palang ako, naramdaman ko [na] UP laban talaga sila so hindi
ko na hinihingi sa kanila 'yun,” said Bocboc, who is in his first year of handling the Fighting Maroons.
“Lumalabas lang [kusa sa kanila] so nakakatuwa kasi may mga team na ganun.”
For Bocboc, who was previously the deputy of Ramil de Jesus in the decorated La Salle program, it was a unique feature for the Fighting Maroons that help them come out on top, even when the odds are stacked against them.
Despite having gone through losing seasons in recent years, Bocboc is happy to see his players’ mentality now turning into something more tangible.
“Hindi kasi lahat ng team ganun eh, kailangan ilabas mo pa minsan na lalaban sila eh. Pero ito, automatic. So sila-sila mismo,” the UP tactician said.
“I think 'yun 'yung puhunan nila, 'yung character nila na ganun. Hindi galing sa'kin 'yun. Siguro malalim na 'yung pinag-uugatan nila eh… Sinusuportahan nalang natin, gina-guide nalang natin so sana magtuloy-tuloy, hanggang dulo," he added.
The UP Fighting Maroons, currently at 4-5 for the season, are looking for their first appearance in the Final Four since UAAP Season 78.
Standing in their way for the next game are the listless UE Lady Warriors who hope to finally break into the win column.