Bocboc returns to UP women's volleyball squad's coaching helm

SAN FRANCISCO, United States -- A familiar face will be returning to lead the University of the Philippines’ women’s volleyball team next season. 

Benson Bocboc is back in the fold for the Fighting Maroons, UP’s Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) announced Thursday. 

Bocboc was previously UP’s coach back in UAAP Season 87, and he led that squad to a 6-8 win-loss record. 

And now, he will be replacing Fabio Menta as the squad’s mentor, with the Fighting Maroons finishing with a 5-9 record last season. 

"Coach Boc proved himself to be a capable coach when he set us up for success in Season 87. Tiwala tayong magagawa niya ulit ang ganun now we're entering a new era," said UP OASD director Bo Perasol.

UP is on a rebuilding season, as it is currently without longtime pillars Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares and Nina Ytang.

Jaboneta and Monares are now in the PVL, while Ytang is with Alas Pilipinas. 

Casiey Dongallo is currently still recovering from an ACL injury. 

This coming season, the team will be led by Kianne Olango, Jelai Gajero, Bienne Bansil, Jaz Manguilomotan,and Julia De Leon.

"No expectations, no pressure muna ulit tayo. Basta rito naman sa UP, ang panigurado, lalaban," Bocboc said. 

Bocboc is concurrently an assistant coach for Farm Fresh in the PVL.