UP’s Oliver Almadro. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — The UP Fighting Maroons finally barged into the win column of UAAP Season 86 following their triumph on Sunday evening against the University of the East.

READ: UP arrests long losing skid after breakthrough win against UE

The Oliver Almadro-mentored team, who also ended a 17-game losing skid that dates back from the previous season, was able to overcome Casiey Dongallo and the Lady Warriors to end their first-round campaign.

Almadro credited his players, saying that it was their patience and effort that allowed them to earn their breakthrough victory. 

“First, I thank my players for trusting the system and the process,” said the former Ateneo tactician.

“We know it’s really hard to win right now in the UAAP. Napaka-taas ng level ng UAAP, but they did not stop working hard,” he added, while also expressing his delight in finally getting his first win as UP’s coach.

“Napakasarap na manalo. Mahirap manalo wearing the Maroons shirt, and winning for the Maroons really means a lot.”

“Yung feeling namin na sabi namin kanina ‘We will sing our alma mater ahead of them,’ yun ang motivation na pinanghugutan namin,” he claimed.

Stepping up for his team was Steph Bustrillo, with the veteran handing out 24 points and seven digs, but it was a collective effort that worked wonders for State U.

UP’s Steph Bustrillo. Photo from UAAP Media.

Joan Monares and Irah Jaboneta each finished with 12 markers, Nica Celis and Pling Baclay both had 10, and Heart Magsombol scattered 13 excellent sets alongside three points and two digs.

This, according to Coach O, can be traced to the players slowly finding their roles in the team.

“I’m always saying to my players results aren’t always better than performance, so I’m giving them specific roles. Kailangan kayo may specific roles going to our practice, going to a game.” 

“Nakalagay nga sa board naming kanina: ‘Be ready, be prepared, be courageous and believe.’ Sabi ko from 1 to 14 ready kayo na mahugot, and nakalagay din doon sa board namin kanina is ‘Trust,’ malaking-malaking ‘Trust’. So ibig sabihin, pag binigay ko sayo yung trust, you have to trust yourself because kailangan maniwala na mananalo.” 

UP’s Joan Monares (8) and Nica Celis (7). Photo from UAAP Media. 

“It’s a team effort. It’s a process na pinaghirapan ng mga players, and I commend them. Sila yun, sa kanila yun,” he said.

Though they managed just one win in the first round, Almadro is confident with the pieces that UP has, pointing out how their roster possesses the capabilities to create a winning culture. His hope is that his players will realize and embrace this as well. 

“I’ve been telling, we’ve been telling our players that they really have value, but kailangan sila yung responsible kung ano yung value nila and yung worth nila. They have to work for it,” said Almadro.

“Basta ako, nandito lang ako to trust them and be an instrument to them. Kung ano gusto nilang mangyari, sila pa ‘rin yun. If they want the winning culture, they will be responsible for it starting sa practices pa lang.”

“Meron kaming materials, kailangan lang nila magtiwala sa sarili nila. It’s not about sinong magaling, sinong superstar, sinong highest pointer, sinong senior, but what I’m telling them is that the culture should slowly change if they want to change their story,” he ended.

RELATED VIDEO: