By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The future is looking bright for the women’s volleyball program of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.
After the recruitment of 2023 Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jothea Ramos from the Bacolod Tay Tung and Sacred Heart-Ateneo’s ace Joanneese Perez, the Fighting Maroons followed it up by securing high school superstars Kianne Olango and Yesha Noceja announced last February 27, 2024.
It was UP volleyball program director and women’s team head coach Oliver Almadro who confirmed the big news in preparation for the future UAAP season.
“When you build a program, you need players with talent, determination, and leadership. Ganyan na ganyan yung maitutulong sa’tin ni Yesha and Kianne,” said Almadro.
Olango, the former team captain of the National University (NU)- Nazareth School high school squad, is expected to bring in the much-needed offense for the UP Fighting Maroons.
Meanwhile, Noceja, also a product of the NUNS program, is an elite scorer who once turned heads during the Palarong Pambansa when she represented the National Capital Region (NCR).
Both vital players will be eligible to suit up for the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP when the Season 87 kicks off in 2025.
Furthermore, the duo will also aim to halt the bleeding for the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP volleyball scene.
Last UAAP Season 85, the Fighting Maroons only won once and lost 13 times, placing dead last in the women’s seniors division.
