PVL: Ubben, Whyte hope to bring winning culture to Iriga-Navy

I think having the two imports that we have, me and Lauren, is really beneficial. We're bringing a new style of play, and a new type of play to Iriga and the Navy -- Macy Ubben

American import Macy Ubben is on a mission to bring a winning culture to Iriga-Philippine Navy on its first stint in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Reinforced Conference.

Making a return in the Sports Vision organized league since their stint in the defunct V-League two years ago, the Lady Oragons opened their campaign on a sweet note after beating BaliPure-National University, 25-23, 25-23, 22-25, 25-19, Wednesday the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Oragons in their 2016 V-League Open Conference participation only won one game in seven outings.

In their return, Iriga brought in the core of Navy and tapped Ubben and Lauren Whyte as reinforcements.   

Ubben was superb in her first game, putting up with 27 points off 18 spikes, seven kill blocks and two aces while adding 15 excellent receptions and 13 digs for Iriga-Navy.

Whyte delivered 17 points, all from attacks.   

“I think having the two imports that we have, me and Lauren, is really beneficial,” said Ubben, a US NCAA Division I player from University of Northern Iowa.

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“We're bringing a new style of play, and a new type of play to Iriga and the Navy,” added Ubben, who played two years in Spain, one year in Germany and in Switzerland before signing a deal with Iriga-Navy. “So not only are they teaching us things, but hopefully we're also helping and teaching them.”

Head coach PO3 Edgardo Rusit praised his imports not only for their contribution inside the court but also for their inputs in coaching the team.

“Yung import very, malaking tulong sa amin 'yan. Kasi hindi lang sila basta 'yung kasama namin sa team, nagbibigay rin sila ng mga ideas nila eh,” he said. “Ako nga 'yung coach, pero kahit papaano, tumutulong din sila kung ano 'yung mas maganda pa, kaya ang ganda ng blending ng team.”

The Lady Oragons will take on PayMaya, also an opening day winner, on May 19.