Lanz Zafra had an outstanding rookie season with National University, contributing to the school’s seventh consecutive championship and earning the Most Valuable Player award.
However, the former national team standout had to take a step back the following season due to personal reasons.
Despite this, Zafra remained with NU and witnessed the Bulldogs struggle to defend their title.
After falling short, he vowed to reclaim the championship.
“Naging motivation ko ‘yung pagkatalo. Kumbaga nakita ko ‘yung frustration ng lahat after. Ando’n ako ‘eh. So, ginawa kong motivation ‘yun para mabalik ‘yung korona sa NU,” the second-year shuttler explained.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As this season approached, Julius Villabrille needed to sit out, requiring the Bulldogs to make adjustments.
“Sinigurado ko po talaga na mag-prepare ako mag-double event ngayon,” Zafra shared. “Sa Thailand, nag-train kami, singles and doubles. Kailangan talaga doble kayod.
“Minsan nagte-train ako ng singles, minsan doubles. Minsan sabay pa halos. Kailangang mag-step up talaga kasi kung walang gagalaw, hindi namin mararating to.”
With Zafra back in the lineup, NU successfully reclaimed the title for Jhocson. For the 2024 Philippine Badminton Open men’s doubles runner-up, the sacrifices he made were well worth it.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Wala kong masabi, sobra kong namiss. Iba kasi sa tournament ‘yung pressure, iba rin sa UAAP.
“Sobrang proud. Hindi pa nagsi-sink sa ‘kin na nag-champion kami before. Kumbaga, kagabi, lahat gustong mag-champion. Lahat naman ng umabot ng Finals, lahat ‘yun ang gusto. Kaya pasalamat ako kay Lord at sa family ko na naka-support sa ‘kin,” Zafra said.
The product of Christ the King School in Muntinlupa was ultimately named the Most Valuable Player of the season. This isn’t his first MVP award, but for Zafra, this one feels special.
“It means a lot… Sobra. Sa lahat ng achievements ko, ito ‘yung pinaka-masarap,” the 23-year-old admitted, momentarily lost for words.
With the title back in NU’s possession, Zafra and the rest of the Bulldogs are determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in their grasp.
“Hangga’t andito ako at hanggang nandito pa ‘yung mga kasama ko, hindi namin ‘to basta-basta ibibigay. Dito lang ‘to sa NU,” Zafra concluded.
