By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons will have three of their key players back for another year in the upcoming UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament next year.

Negrense Joan Marie Monares, Antiqueña Irah Jaboneta and three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker awardee Nina Ytang have all agreed to play their remaining year of eligibility with the Fighting Maroons.

Fighting Maroons team booster Frank Lao said that the development has made him have high hopes for the team next season after falling short of a Final Four bid in UAAP Season 87.

“No promises, but I think next year will be more exciting. We will do our best,” Lao said in a statement.

“I’m happy with the result we got this season, pero syempre, if naka-finals [kami next season], mas masaya,” he said.

“We will have new Italian coaches [Farm Fresh Foxies head coach Alessandro Lodi and SGA strength and conditioning coach Carlo Buzzichelli]. There will be many more things for our players to learn,” he added.

With an exciting roster next season, Lao is urging the UP community to also rally behind their women’s volleyball team, just like how they support the Fighting Maroons’ men’s basketball squad.

“Now, I can feel na mas madami nang sumusuporta. I am happy for the girls kasi mas may motivation sila galing mismo sa school,” Lao said./ASC, WDJ