PWU Women’s Volleyball Looks Beyond the Runner-Up Finish

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The Philippine Women’s University Patriots are done dwelling on what could have been. After a season that ended one win short of a WNCAA title and stalled in the UCAL quarterfinals, PWU is turning that frustration into motivation heading into a new campaign with real championship stakes.

The Patriots reached the quarterfinals of UCAL Season 8 and finished as first runner-up in WNCAA Season 56, and now return for UCAL Season 9 and another WNCAA campaign carrying the lessons of that near-miss run. The goal this time is to finish the job.

The PWU Patriots aim to build on their WNCAA runner-up finish and UCAL quarterfinal appearance. [photo credit: PWU Patriots Volleyball Team]

A Season of Growth Meets a New Test

For the coaching staff, last season offered proof of the team’s potential alongside a clear list of areas still needing work. PWU came within reach of the WNCAA championship before falling short, while its UCAL campaign ended earlier than hoped in the quarterfinals.

With another opportunity now ahead, the Patriots are focused on building on what worked while closing the gaps that stalled their progress last time. Turning last season’s experience into consistent execution once competition begins is the central challenge facing the team.

“We believe na our team improved this year, especially yung mga sophomores ay nagkaroon ng gel sa mga seniors, and skill-wise, mas nag-improve individually yung team and ‘yong mga rookies last year ay mas kaya na nilang i-handle yung pressure every game,” said team captain Clarence Borja.

Seniors Chase a Lasting Legacy

This season carries extra weight for PWU’s senior class. Borja and several fellow seniors are entering their final year in a Patriots uniform, turning the campaign into more than just another shot at a title. It’s also a chance to leave a lasting mark on the PWU Athletic Department and help set up the players who will eventually inherit their roles.

Mycah Dalmacio, who earned the second-best middle blocker title in WNCAA 56, is expected to play a key role again this season. Her individual success last year gives her another platform to contribute as PWU chases a stronger finish.

“I think we need to be more consistent, disciplined and composed, especially in crucial moments. We learned a lot from last season, and this time, we need to trust each other, stay hungry and finish what we started. ‘Yung award naman nand’yan lang eh, kailangan lang talaga naming gapangin at paghirapan maabot ‘yun,” Dalmacio said.

With a veteran core determined to close out their PWU careers on their own terms, the Patriots enter UCAL Season 9 and WNCAA Season 56 with clarity on what’s missing and urgency to finally get there.