Isa Molde during the recent UP-ADMU game. Lady Maroons remain hopeful despite Molde’s sprain incident and second defeat from the Lady Eagles. (Photo by Joseph Charles Lim)
Story by Joseph Charles Lim
The University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons suffered major setbacks on Saturday in its quest for the Final Four as not only did they bow down to the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Lady Eagles, they also lost their coveted star Isa Molde to injury.
Coming off a stunning sweep of the De La Salle University (DLSU) last week, the Diliman-based squad was sent back to earth as they suffered their fourth loss this season to league-leading Ateneo at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
The Lady Maroons had its day turn from bad to worse as Molde had to be stretchered out of the game after an awkward fall in the second set.
In a recent update from the team physician, Molde was cleared from any knee and ankle fracture and “will most likely be out on Wednesday against the UE Lady Warriors to have enough time to recover from the unfortunate ankle sprain.”
Meanwhile, Coach Godfrey Okumu is still all smiles when asked on the effect of Molde's injury scare to the team’s morale.
“A soldier is a soldier. If you are out there to fight, you cannot spend time grieving over a fallen fellow. Just keep doing it for them,” he said.
Coach Okumu also shared that power-hitter Marian Buitre is being eyed to be one of the starting liners in the next match against the Lady Warriors.
Buitre, who played in the second-half, showed grace under pressure as she proved to be one of the team’s best scorers during the match, totalling six points.
“I’m always here whenever they need me. I’m not going anywhere. If there’s one man down, I can fill in her shoes anytime,” Buitre said in an interview.
Currently at fifth place with five wins and four losses, the Lady Maroons will have to bounce back in their remaining games in the second round to secure a spot in the Final Four.
“We shouldn’t allow this loss to discourage us because we still have a lot of games left. This is just the second game of the second round. We have to win all of them if we want to make it to the Final Four,” Lady Maroon captain Tots Carlos told the media.
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