Another Most Valuable Player award is in the bag for Kacey Dela Rosa, but for the second year in a row, it is bittersweet.
While continuing to be the best player in UAAP women’s basketball, the 6-foot center fell short of her main goal – the championship.
Ateneo de Manila University gave it their all, but Adamson University pushed the right buttons to take their Season 87 stepladder semifinals match-up in overtime, 59-53, last Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Happy, pero, sad at the same time kasi di naman yung MVP ang goal ko for me. Kasi mas naglu-look ako sa bigger, hindi lang doon sa award,” said the now two-time league MVP.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Dela Rosa claimed the Season 87 MVP by a wide margin, tallying an impressive 22.1 points, 16.0 rebounds, 3.7 blocks per game, and 2.3 assists per game during the eliminations.
It was truly another level higher for the Chiang Kai Shek product, as she posted 19.57 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.64 blocks, and 1.5 steals last season for her first MVP recognition.
But once again, it was not enough.
“I guess, it’s not enough para makuha yung goal namin and ayun nga, tinry talaga namin yung best namin para manalo sa Adamson, pero ayun, na-short kami,” said Dela Rosa, who had 19 points, 24 rebounds, and five blocks against the Lady Falcons.
“Siguro nahirapan din ako kasi pinupush nila ako sa inside the paint. Pag nakukuha ko yung ball, parang nasa outside na ko. Hirap mag-attack and yun kudos din sa Adamson kasi… Goodluck nalang sa kanila sa Final Four.”
It’s back to the drawing board for the best player in the women’s basketball division of the UAAP as she continues her pursuit of that coveted title – or even a spot on the podium.
In Season 86, the Blue Eagles lost to the NU Lady Bulldogs in the Final Four, 83-64. Ateneo has finished in fourth place for the last three seasons.
Dela Rosa will enter her fourth year in Season 88 with the Blue Eagles, still surrounded by their core, which includes Nigerian big Sarah Makanjuola and shifty guard Junize Calago.
