UP's Buitre embracing new role as wing spiker

MANILA, Philippines – If University of the Philippines' Marian Buitre could have it her way, she wants to play as a wing hitter instead of a middle blocker.

"Noong high school kasi kahit middle blocker ka, pwedeng hindi ka mag-block kasi kaunti ang babantayan. Ngayon lahat hahabulin mo, lahat kailangan i-block," Buitre said.

Buitre was inserted to the Lady Maroons' first six in UAAP Season 77 when Kathy Bersola suffered an ACL tear halfway in the season. The then rookie said she was pressured to match the output provided by the veteran during that time.

"(May) pressure sa akin kasi from the bench, bigla ako pinasok tapos wala pa akong experience kasi first UAAP ko 'yun tapos kailangan ko agad mag-perform," she recounted.

Buitre's performance was enough for her to retain the spot the following season.

However, in the ongoing Shakey's Collegiate Conference, she is alternating as an outside spiker and opposite spiker.

"Medyo nahihirapan ako nung una," Buitre said. "Pero noong first year pa ako sa UP, wala akong permanent position, kung saan ako ilagay ni coach as long as nakaka-contribute ako sa team."

In their last match against San Sebastian, Buitre played opposite and finished with 10 points built on seven attacks and three big blocks.

She said she is embracing whatever role will be given to her as long as she can contribute to the team.

"Being in a team, it's already a privilege na. What more kung maglaro ka? It's an honor," she said.