With a rookie coach at the helm, University of the Philippines (UP) is off to a sizzling start in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Benson Bocboc, one of the country’s most successful assistant coaches, had come out of his shell to guide the Fighting Maroons to back-to-back wins, making them one of the hottest squads in the most prestigious collegiate tournament in the country.

In their previous game against Far Eastern University last Wednesday, Bocboc rallied the Fighting Maroons to a red-hot comeback in the second and third sets before delivering the final blows to secure an impressive 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 victory that gave them a perfect 2-0 record in the early stretch of the tournament.

Their solid performance came at the heels of their heart-stopping victory over University of the East in the season-opener.

Bocboc said he is coming to games prepared in a bid to make an impression in his inaugural season as head coach in the UAAP.

“Just like the players, I also prepare myself,” Bocboc said.

“I get ready for each game so that I will make the right decisions down the stretch. The players need to see that I am also fighting with them. Fortunately, we got the win.”

Bocboc may be a new head coach but he’s no longer a greenhorn in big-time volley wars.

In fact, he learned at the heels of prized mentor Ramil de Jesus, who led De La Salle University to 12 UAAP titles. He was also serving as de Jesus’ chief scout when he led F2 Logistics to numerous titles in the Philippine Superliga.

Their relationship came to an end when UP volleyball program director Oliver Almandro, who also used to be part of de Jesus’ coaching staff at La Salle, tapped him to guide the Fighting Maroons.

Now, the leap of faith is doing wonders as Bocboc is applying his magic touch to his new team.

“So far, it was good,” said Bocboc, referring to the adjustments they made that sparked their comeback against the Lady Tamaraws.

“ We tried something new, and it worked. We’ll see if the players can adapt even more to the defensive system. We’ll take it step by step.”

One of his key players, Nina Ytang, said Bocboc brings the winning mentality and championship culture that he forged with de Jesus and the Lady Spikers to the Fighting Maroons.

“Actually, it’s not difficult. Even the coaches approach us. Of course, it’s their job to train us, but we develop an unexpected friendship along the way,” she said.

Team captain Nica Celis emphasized Bocboc’s efforts in fostering team cohesion.

“Coach Boc was focused on finding ways for us to connect and come together. He assessed what the team was lacking, what could work, and how we could maximize our strengths instead of forcing ourselves to play beyond our capabilities.”