The University of Baguio Lady Cardinals proved Saturday that youth is no obstacle to dominance, dismantling the University of the Philippines – Baguio Lady Maroons in a straight-set sweep, 25-10, 25-10, 25-11.
The victory at the Cordillera Career Development College Gymnasium marked a clinical start for the Lady Cardinals in women’s volleyball, marking the start of the second phase of the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) Season 36.
UB head coach Cherry Atuban attributed the win to a grueling conditioning program.
“During pre-season, we had many adjustments, usually regarding proper training and their endurance,” Atuban said. “By the second semester in January, we shifted more toward ball drills.”
Despite the lopsided win, Atuban noted that her rookie-heavy squad still has a learning curve ahead.
“Most of them are freshmen. Many players graduated, so these are new faces. It’s a big adjustment. They need to improve their playmaking and decision-making from the setters,” Atuban added.
The Lady Cardinals’ offensive surge was immediate. UB’s well-coordinated attack left the Lady Fighting Maroons scrambling in the opening set, which ended 25-10. The momentum carried into the second frame as UB’s rookie core relentlessly attacked the UP – Baguio defense to repeat the 25-10 scoreline.
UP – Baguio showed its only spark of resistance in the third set, battling to a 6-6 deadlock. However, the Lady Cardinals’ firepower proved too much. A final reception error by the Fighting Maroons handed UB a 25-11 win to secure the match.
UPB Lady Maroons head coach Clarissa Tolentino pointed the lack of preparation as a major factor in the loss, noting the unique challenges of coaching student-athletes at the premier state university.
“We started our training just three weeks ago,” Tolentino said. “We don’t do off-season training because their priorities are academics. Nevertheless, we did our best and exhausted all means for this season.”
Tolentino added that while the raw talent exists, her players lack “court sense” and competitive experience.
“The skills are there, but they need enhancement,” she said. “Most of them are new to this level of play; they’ve played in intramurals, but not in leagues like this.”
Earlier, the CCDC Lady Admirals disposed Benguet neighbor Benguet State University Lady Wildcats, 25-18, 25-21, 25-20 to open their campaign and hope for a podium finish this year.
Meanwhile, the Baguio College of Technology Lady Atoms open their title retention campaign Tuesday against the Lady Wildcats at the UC Gymnaisum.
Even with the departure of top score Jasmynne Polon, coach Jun Nisperos said the team will rely on holdovers and veterans led by team captain Abigail Cunanan, on Shery Estal, Kate Binalay, Hazel Macapinlac, Marga Samson and newbie Erin Almario.
“We have lost Polon, kasi graduate na siya. Pero may mga piyesa pa kame para mag champion. I have talked to Cunanan to play instead going to work since she has two more years,” said Nisperos.
The four – peat seeking Lady Atoms started their dominance when they defeated arch – rival University of Baguio Lady Cardinals in 2019.
BCT was on track to win its second straight in 2020, but the games were suspended due to the lockdown.
When the BBEAL returned in 2023, the Lady Atoms where even hungrier defeating the Lady Cardinals anew. Dianne Mallare and Tuesday Javar/UP Baguio intern with a report from Roderick Osis