Justine Domingo is still in awe with how her final year in the UAAP turned out despite University of the Philippines falling short in the Final Four.
The Fighting Maroons disarmed the UST Growling Tigresses’ playoff advantage last Wednesday. However, the second seed showed their fangs on Saturday to advance to the Season 86 Women’s Basketball Finals.
With this, UP ended as the bronze medallists — its first podium finish since Season 71 (2008) where they bowed to Far Eastern University in the Finals.
Domingo remembers all too well being part of the winless Fighting Maroons in her first two seasons. And she could not find the right words to express how thankful she is to end her collegiate career on a high note.
“Masaya ako at hindi ko po masyado alam kung paano ko pa po ibubuo yung sentence para maexplain sa inyo kung gaano po ako kasaya at kagrateful sa team,” said the Season 80 Rookie of the Year.
“Para sa akin, ang third place po achievement pa rin po yan hindi namin binabaliwala at hindi namin parang walang silbi o walang saysay,” she added.
Truly, a bronze finish is a huge achievement for the program after being winless in Seasons 80 and 81, and having just one victory in 82.
Last year, the Fighting Maroons showed bits and pieces of promise, ending just outside the Final Four with a 6-8 record.
With this latest result, Domingo will leave UP knowing her alma mater is in good hands.
“Malayo na nga po yung nagagawa ng team at ng bawat isa pero nakita po natin na very talented, blessed, very strong po yung team po namin so malayo pa po ang mararating nito kaya masayang masaya po ako na nasa UP ako at naglaro po ako para sa UP,” expressed teh 24-year-old guard, who came from DLSZ before heading to UP.
Aside from Domingo, only Rhea Sanchez had exhausted her eligibility.
Eighteen-year-old Nigerian center Favour Onoh and Fil-French rookie Louna Ozar will lead the team next season along with key cogs Kaye Pesquera, Achrissa Maw, and Christie Bariquit.
The Fighting Maroons will also welcome Gilas Pilipinas standout Camille Nolasco as part of their team next year.
With a team full of promise next season, Domingo could only say one sentence that meant a lot for the entire UP community during its trying times.
“Nowhere to go but up. Nowhere to go but up.”
