The University of the Philippines (UP) has appointed Italian mentor Fabio Menta as its new head coach for the upcoming UAAP season.
The UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball tournament starting February 14.
The UP Fighting Maroons have been missing the final four since season 78, where Tots Carlos, Isa Molde and go-to scorers Nicole Tiamzon and Kathy Bersola made history.
The side is aiming to bring back its contender status with the entry of transferees from the University of the East, Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, and Kizzie Madriaga.
Apart from California Academy stars, the UP Fighting Maroons also added Nigerian Ali Sarah Otukugu and Italian coach Fabio Menta, who has been calling the shots for UP since the Preseason with a runner-up finish in Shakey’s Super League Davao leg and quarterfinals in the Unity Cup.
Irah Jaboneta, along with one of the mainstays with Nina Ytang, Joan Monares, Sophomore Kianne Olango, and setter Jaz Manguilomotan, will be relishing the team. Under Menta’s discipline, they joined the Philippines in 2016 to call the shots for Foton Pilipinas, the national team-back iteration of Philippine Superliga side Foton Tornadoes, in the 2016 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship.
“He brings a good system which the team needs. We know what to do inside and outside the court because of that good system,” said Jaboneta.
Strong Group Athletics brought Menta to UP after tapping the Italian as a consultant for its Premier Volleyball League teams, Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee, last year.
“We are excited to see how Coach Fabio will bring out the best in this young and very promising roster that we have. Lahat tayo sa UP ay nagtitiwala at naniniwala that the Final Four is very much within our reach,” said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
Under Benson Bocboc’s expertise, UP Fighting Maroons finished with a 6-8 record, including upsets over eventual champion National University and runner-up La Salle.
Also Read: The FIVB: The World Governing Body of Volleyball
