In National University Nazareth School’s title defense in UAAP Season 86, head coach Norman Miguel unearthed a promising talent in Denesse Daylisan, hoping she could help the team retain their championship in Jhocson.
For the 17-year-old spiker from Davao City, it was an enlightening experience, full of highs and lows.
“Masaya po pero at the same time hindi po siya gan’on kaganda. Kasi parang baguhan pa po ako n’on so wala pa po talaga kong experience with big tournaments. Pinaka-first time ko po talaga sa mga ganitong klaseng tournaments,” Daylisan shared.
Despite her inexperience, the outside hitter showed promise, sharing the scoring duties with one of the season’s best in the same position, Celine Marsh.
The Lady Bullpups finished as runners-up.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Now, with Marsh having graduated – along with Season 85 MVP Kianne Olango and one of Season 86’s Best Middle Blockers, Bienne Bansil – Daylisan plans to use the lessons she learned from last season to help the Lady Bullpups reclaim the title.
“It helps me become a better person and a better player. It made me become more mature inside the court; and ‘yung coaches ko, they also help me, and ‘yung teammates ko, andyan din naman to help,” she added.
As one of the key players in Karl Dimaculangan’s squad this season, Daylisan is determined not to let the pressure overwhelm her. Instead, she remains focused on giving her best for the team.
In their first game of the season against University of the Philippines Integrated School, Daylisan delivered 11 points – nine from attacks – along with seven digs.
“Dinadaan ko na lang po siguro sa saya, sa enjoyment sa laro, like what I did today. Kahit meron akong errors na ako mismo ‘yung nakagawa, dinadaan ko na lang sa tawa, sa sigaw, or whatever, at binabawi ko na lang po,” Daylisan concluded.
