Arah Panique finally got her chance with National University, and she’s determined to make the most of it.
After playing behind the ultra-talented duo of Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen during her first two years with the Lady Bulldogs, opportunities were rare.
This was despite her emerging as a revelation during the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, where Panique turned heads with her fearless performances off the bench for Alas Pilipinas.
Now, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, Panique’s time has come. She has proven herself to be a very capable starter during NU’s first two games.
The third-year opposite spiker scored 15 points and added seven digs in three sets before cramping up in the Lady Bulldogs’ 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 win over the UST Golden Tigresses last Sunday.
She followed it up with 13 points, including nine spikes and four blocks, in NU’s 25-23, 25-19, 28-26 victory over the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“For me po, wala naman pong nagbago. Kasi lagi naman po sinasabi sa amin, kung may mawawala, may papalit naman po,” said Panique about NU this season after the graduation of Belen and Solomon.
“Ano naman po kasi, same lang po kami ng skills. Kung ano ang kaya ng seniors namin na nawala, kaya rin po namin.”
While individual skills may be similar, the Lady Bulldogs are aiming for more than stats — they are aiming for a third straight championship.
The pressure now falls on those who remain after the highly successful run of Belen and company, which resulted in three titles and four championship appearances.
“Siguro po hindi ko na lang po iniisip yung pressure. Mas binibigay ko na lang po yung kailangan kong ibigay na sa game, and yung kung paano po kami maging isa sa team. Ganon po,” Panique added.
