No doubt, University of the Philippines had a promising start to the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament after claiming three early victories that was highlighted by a five-set escape over reigning champion National University last February.

But soon after, the State U faced a harsh reality check as it suffered a four-game losing skid which unfortunately pulled the Maroons down in the standings.

It didn't help that Casiey Dongallo had a season-ending knee injury as UP slid further to a dismal 3-11 finish, worse than its 6-8 tally last season.

Despite the disappointing outcome, Niña Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Joan Monares believed the State U is in good hands in the next few years.

“We’re trying to change the UP women’s volleyball team into something na contender, we might be the strongest team here… but kaya naming makipagsabayan sa ibang teams,” said Monares after UP’s 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 loss to University of Santo Tomas last weekend.

“I believe that UP is in good hands, kasi there’s a community behind them na susuportahan sila every game, every win or loss, the community is there,” added Monares, who had limited minutes throughout the season after nursing a back injury in the first round.

The triumvirate played a pivotal role for UP, especially after they carried the Maroons in an almost semifinal berth in Season 87 where Dongallo served her residency year. They all had key contributions, particularly Ytang, a three-time 2nd Best Middle Blocker of the league.

“Hindi man ‘yon ‘yong outcome na ini–expect namin, mayroon kaming high expectations… pero wala eh, it’s not in our hands,” Bacolodnon Monares added. “‘Yong pinahalagahan namin sa team, even si Fabio, is ‘yong health no’ng players and kung papaano kami mag-work as a team.

“Worth it pa rin naman, ‘di man ‘yon ‘yong ginusto naming result, meron parin naman kaming matutunan and ‘yon ‘yong mahalaga eh, ‘yong sinubukan at matutunan ka sa bawat laban,” added Cebuana Ytang.

Jaboneta also stressed that she has no regrets of suiting up for the Diliman-based squad as she gained more experience and knowledge there despite its string of misfortunes.

“Wala akong pagsisi lagi basta UP, ganun ako ka-vocal, kasi bago pa ako lumuwas for high school, alam kong sa UP talaga ako lalaro,” said Antique-native Jaboneta. “Kasi ako personally, mas marami akong natutunan dito… ‘di man makuha ‘yong outcome thankful pa rin kay UP palagi.”

As the PVL Draft application opens this week, Ytang and Jaboneta revealed their plans of joining the lottery, while Monares takes her time to ponder and see where the wind takes her.