No one knows when the streak of the National University Lady Bulldogs took on a life of its own. But everyone knows the reason why it started.
Back in October 5, 2013, the Lady Bulldogs were handed a heartbreaking 61-69 loss in Game Three of the UAAP Season 76 Women’s Basketball Finals. It was a feeling that they did not want to suffer again.
“Sinasabi ng mga senior namin nun na gusto nilang bumawi. Sayang yung opportunity nila nun eh. So kami-kaming mga rookie, nagsikap kami na ibawi sila sa La Salle,” shared Ria Nabalan, who is in her fifth and final year.
“Sila Sam Paig, sila [Tin] Abriam, Gemma Miranda, Afril Bernardino, Andrea Tongco, at Trixie Antiquera ang mga seniors ko nun.”
“I did not even know NU. But the first game I watched a UAAP game, it was that game versus La Salle. I waited for two years. In my second year, they went sixteen-and-zero,” recalled Congolese student-athlete Rhena Itesi, who is in her fourth year. “I told myself that I will not only be part of another 16-0.
“I don’t know the feeling of losing since I’ve been here.”
As the Lady Bulldogs racked up win after win and championship after championship, the program has created national team stalwarts as well. From the likes of Sam Paig and Tin Abriam, to Afril Bernardino and Gemma Miranda, the National University has done their share to produce some the country’s finest soldiers.
Seeing their peers flourish both locally and internationally, some student-athletes decided to transfer to NU as well. There was Cherry Ano-on who transferred from UE and just last year, Kaye Pingol moved from Adamson to NU.
Some might think that transferring to NU will ease the pressure for the former aces. But that is not the case.
“Mas pressure dito sa NU kasi yung Lady Bulldogs four-peat na tapos wala pang talo.
“Anytime, pwedeng makuha sa amin yung panalo kaya napre-pressure kami. Every game dapat well-prepared ako kung tatawagin ako,” shared Pingol.
And it’s because losing is an unfamiliar feeling for this program.
The closest call these young women had to experiencing a loss was back in December 3, 2017, in Game Two of the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Basketball Finals against the Lady Warriors.
The streak had been in danger for most of the game, as the Lady Warriors led by as much as 12 points in the first half, nine points in the third frame, 52-43.
“Last year against UE during the championship game. I was injured in that game. I started really bad,” recalled Itesi.
But the Lady Bulldogs stared defeat in the eye and said not today. They stormed back to bag championship number four and win number 64.
“Sa totoo lang wala eh. Alam ko naman nandiyan lahat ng management, coaches, at teammates ko eh,” Nabalan shared about that moment.
“Hindi namin iniisip na matatalo kami.”
Winning has become a habit for the Lady Bulldogs. Because of this, the streak has taken a life of its own as it has brought more pressure to the team. For them, championships are just the by-product of the streak.
And they are proud to say that they have already learned to embrace this, as they are now on the verge of making history. On Saturday, the proud NU Women’s Basketball program has a chance to be the best UAAP team of all time.
“Sa akin, I don’t take it as a pressure. Motivation siya e. Legacy at history na ito e.
“Yung pride na lang namin ang nilalaban namin to keep the winning streak going,” said reigning Most Valuable Player Jack Animam. “Pero bilog yung bola e so we need to work hard for it. Hindi naman nila ibibigay sa amin ng ganoong kadali lang. Hopefully makuha namin yun, one game at a time.”
“I’m not ready to lose,” declared Itesi.
