The University of the East Lady Warriors suffered a 52-68 defeat at the hands of the National University Lady Bulldogs in their first UAAP Season 79 Women’s Basketball game at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Unknown to most, there was an intriguing subplot with regards to the game. UE’s leading scorer and Season 78 Mythical Five member, Chery Ano-os, transferred to NU.
Ano-os is currently serving her residency and is expected to become an asset for the Lady Bulldogs in the foreseeable future.
“Wala akong masabi kasi choice ng bata yun eh. Choice niya yun. Kaya kami naghanda kami na wala siya“, conceded Lady Warriors coach Aileen Lebornio.
Despite Ano-os’ transfer, Lebornio bore no ill-feelings towards NU. She explained “Actually I think hindi kasalanan ng coaching staff ng NU eh. Hindi ko alam kung ano nangyari pano siya (nakuha). Hindi ko na inalam kung pano siya napunta (sa NU).”
Lebornio narrated that Ano-os was being disciplined by the team for some undisclosed transgressions. It was only then they found out that she moved to NU. Nevertheless, Lebornio stated the she and her team have moved on from Ano-os.
“Nag-adjust kami summer pa lang simula lang nung nawala siya. Yun ginawa naming inspirasyon sa mga bata. I think naman hindi namin ininda yung pagkawala niya. Affected kami pero pinaghandaan namin“, said Lebornio.
Ano-os’ transfer has left a huge hole in the UE squad, although Lebornio is confident that the gap will be filled up soon.
One player who caught the eye in UE’s first game of the season was Ruth Tacula who scored 18 points against the Lady Bulldogs. Lebornio exclaimed that she had no more words to say about Tacula with what she does for the team. For the season, though, one objective was clear. “Final Four muna bago mag aim ng championship“, concluded Lebornio.
