UAAP: UP vows to keep fighting amid ‘chaos’

MANILA, Philippines – Nina Ytang and Abi Goc vowed that the University of the Philippines will continue to fight in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, amid “mismanagement” issues.

A day after the letter circulated online saying the team had been plagued by many problems since the 84 Season, UP got its first win of the season, defeating Eastern University, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-20, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ytang, who scored 20 points, including a season-high seven blocks, thanked all the support the Fighting Maroons have received.

“Maybe it’s normal for UAAP teams to have their own problems. We are a team, which is just a normal team in the UAAP, we also have problems with our team and so on,” said the sophomore middle blocker.

“We are also thankful that we are there for each other, friends, sisters, they are there to guide us children. I am thankful that we do not influence what happens,” he said.

(It is normal for UAAP teams to face different problems. We, as a team, also have our problems. We are thankful that we stayed together and ate there to guide us. I am also thankful that we did not let our problems affect us us.)

The Fighting Maroons wore pink ribbons during the game to celebrate women’s month and boost their team’s morale after their first two losses and chaos within the team. Fans and alumni also wore pink ribbons and held #SaveUPWVT signs to express their support.

Abi Goc, who is playing in his first UAAP season despite being with UP for five years, showed that he will solve the problems in the team.

“Despite the chaos that is happening in our team, we are fighting for our rights and at the same time, we are fixing it [the issues] in the team,” said Goc after providing a spark off the bench with nine points.

“We thank the UP community. They never left us. And as a senior, it’s great to fight for our university. Thank you to all the supporters for men’s and women’s volleyball. Let’s support all sports,” added the veteran speaker in Filipino.

A petition signed by 21 players to restore Nowhere To Go But UP Foundation, Inc. (NTGBUP) to manage the program of the women’s volleyball team last January 29 was “not granted” by the Diliman Chancellor’s Office, and the College of Human Kinetics. , according to NTGBUP Foundation chairman Jed Eva III on Wednesday.

Dean of the UP College of Human Kinetics Kiko Diaz, on Saturday released a statement, saying he acknowledges the concerns aired by the UP women’s volleyball team and has met with UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo.

“We have met with the Chancellor about these concerns and have been in dialogue with the concerned parties. Now we are constantly solving special requests and obtaining the support and commitment of team sponsors who will continue to provide funding and other team needs that will allow the athletes to prepare well for the competition,” read the statement.

“We will do our part to elevate the men’s and women’s volleyball teams and all varsity teams as we commit to respect and excellence. We have demonstrated this with success on the Men’s Basketball Team and aim to replicate this with all of our varsity teams.

With UP improving their record to 1-2, Goc promised to continue to guide his teammates and fight for their rights.

“We fought for our rights and we thank the coaches and the community of UP and everyone who fought for us. On the court, we must focus, we must work in everything and tune out of [issues],” said Goc. “We will continue to guide each other, especially now that we have to work harder to win the remaining games.”

Read Next

For suggestions, complaints, or questions, please contact us.