By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Three Negrense volleybelles are among the players of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament beginning on Saturday, February 15.

Joan Marie Monares, Annikha Cabasac and rookie Alijah Ysulan are part of the 14-player roster of the Fighting Maroons in their aim to bounce back from a last-place finish last year.

The three Negrense players were also former standouts of the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts under coaches Ian Maraciola and Roberto Calamba, Jr.

Also part of the UP roster are Nina Ytang, Kianne Olango, Irah Jaboneta, Denise Lauchengco, Yesha Noceja, Kassandra Doering, Dannica Celis, Jaz Mangulimotan, Julie de Leon, Giesha Capistrano, and Bienne Bansil.

“From what I have observed, they need to become accustomed to winning,” UP head coach Benson Bocboc said.

“It is a cultural aspect. Regardless of individual talent, if the team’s culture does not prioritize winning, success will be elusive,” he said.

“Hopefully, this group can grasp this mindset and carry it forward,” added Bocboc, a former long-time assistant coach of De La Salle University Lady Spikers mentor Ramil de Jesus./ASC, WDJ