No disrespect meant to Ateneo when UP used different starting six — Bocboc

MANILA, Philippines — UP Fighting Maroons head coach Benson Bocboc said that he meant no disrespect for using a different starting six against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball game at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 23.

The Fighting Maroons lost the match, 18-25, 22-25, 18-25, as usual starters Joan Monares and rookie Kianne Olango came off the bench.

"No (disrespect meant) against our opponent whatsoever. I didn't know the history between the teams if there's any," said Bocboc, whose UP team lost again on Sunday, this time to La Salle, 22-25, 26-24, 18-25, 17-25 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Maroons dropped to 2-2, tied in third place with the De La Salle Lady Spikers, FEU Lady Tamaraws, and the Adamson Lady Falcons.

Bocboc's move was criticized with fans online saying that he should not underestimate his opponents even against a team not widely considered as a Final Four contender in Ateneo.

In defense, Bocboc said he just wants to build the confidence of his other players and preserve the team's health knowing that the season is a lengthy one.

"I focus on the UP volleyball team. If I need to build their confidence, I will do it. I told them, when I put you in, it's because I trust you. The trust the team has in you means you should always be ready. So, they need to be ready, anytime. You saw that earlier," said Bocboc.

"You know, anytime, like now, some of our players are sick. So, who's going to play? You can't just rely on certain players. The UAAP season is lengthy right? Usually, after the second round, two or three players get injured. Right? That's what we need to prepare for. Not everyone will be able to play. That's the reality."

Bocboc also shared that he informed his players of his plans to tinker his rotation and as far as he's concerned, they did pretty well with that revamped starting lineup albeit Ateneo also did too.

"Two or three days before (the match), I already told them we'll make changes. Because in a game, the second, third, or fourth set don't really matter as much. The most important thing is the first set. If you're a rookie or it's your first time playing in the first set, you have to overcome whatever challenges come your way," said Bocboc.

"When I reviewed the film? We didn't really play bad. There was no problem with our passing, no issue with our attacking. Well, except for blocking. Against Ateneo, it was specific to them, not to us. Ateneo was able to pass well at that time, and they managed to set up quick plays. That's where we fell behind."