MANILA – Tapping Cebuana volleyball standouts Kirstin Louise Acebis Ojeda and Ricalie Alukso means the University of the Philippines (UP) is taking the UAAP offseason recruiting wars seriously.
The five-foot-nine middle blocker Ojeda from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles said it was a dream come true to join the Godfrey Okumu-coached Fighting Maroons.
“I chose to commit to UP because it has always been my dream school,” Ojeda told Panay News on Tuesday. “I feel coach Okumu really got plans for me. He has been monitoring me since Grade 10.”
She added: “The new team, new people, new surroundings will not be easy for me, but I know I can surpass all those circumstances with the help of my future teammates and coaches.”
The five-foot-six Alukso, for her part, said she immediately committed to the Fighting Maroons after knowing Okumu has been trying to bring her caliber to the team.
“It was overwhelming na nire-recruit ako ni coach Okumu,” said the hitter from Arcelo Memorial National High School in Liloan, Cebu.
“I know I still need to learn a lot from him (Okumu) and my future teammates,” she added. “I will work really hard sa practices para masuklian ang tiwala ni coach Okumu sa akin.”
The collegiate volleyball team also secured the commitment of Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts star Joan Marie Monares last January./PN
