UP Fighting Maroons’ Joan Monares. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA — Joan Monares was a key factor in the University of the Philippines’ five-set victory over the University of the East on Saturday.

She put up 17 points with 11 digs in their five-set win to help open the Fighting Maroons start their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball campaign on the right note.

“Every time na nagte-training kami we give our best,” said Monares after the contest, commenting on what helped her flex her form against the Lady Warriors.

“Kailangan naminng lahat i-work yung individual skills namin as well as teamwork and connection to each other, so sa win today it’s everyone. It was teamwork, and also, sa tulong ng mga coaches,” she continued.

After UP led 2 sets to none, they saw themselves absorb two straight losses and enter a decider as UE retaliated by winning Sets 3 and 4.

“Natalo kami [nung third and fourth], and kahit ako din naman may errors,” acknowledged Monares.

However, while she was among those who helped State U hold its fort by creating an 8-2 start in the last set, Monares insisted that her teammates are the ones who must be credited.

“Yung mga teammates namin outside the court, nire-remind kami na kaya pa namin lumaban, ipanalo yung game,” she pointed out.

UP head coach Benson Bocboc also mirrors this sentiment, saying that aside from Monares, the Fighting Maroons’ rookies and veterans can also lead by example.

“So far, marami sa kanila pwede mag step up, and not necessarily yung mga may experience lang,” he said. “Even yung rookies din can step up and be a leader inside, kaya tinitignan din natin kung may na-off papalitan lang natin, para yung chemistry laging buo.”

Up will now hope to use this again when it faces Far Eastern University on Wednesday, February 19, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.