In a team as talented as the National University Lady Bulldogs, there may be times when it is difficult for certain players to stand out for the country’s premier collegiate program.
In NU’s 80-53 win over Far Eastern University during the second round of the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Angel Surada finally broke out during this campaign.
The Chiang Kai Shek College had 12 points and nine rebounds as well as an efficiency of plus-10 to contribute to the Lady Bulldogs’ 106th consecutive win.
“The coaches had a meeting and we thought that Angel is not having her usual game for, I think, the past four games,” explained coach Aris Dimaunahan.
“As coaches, we were really positive with her. We were encouraging her just to keep on going. This is just a slump she has been through in the last couple of games. We were really high on her.”
Amidst Surada’s struggles, the rest of the Lady Bulldogs team did not lose faith in their teammate.
They knew it was just a matter of time before the Psychology student could demonstrate her expertise on the floor.
When Surada finally did against the Lady Tamaraws, it was a sight to behold.
“As teammates, ine-encourage land din namin siya maglaro. Di naman siya pinu-push na dapat ganito yung magawa mo. Kumbaga, babawi lang siya,” said Ann Pingol who had 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six steals against the Lady Tamaraws.
“Kung di man siya maka-score, kahit maka-defense man siya.”
Ultimately, Dimaunahan and Pingol were happy that Surada was able to be effective on the court again.
It has been a long time coming but it’s been worth the wait and NU has another weapon in its arsenal that other teams need to watch out for.
“I told her she was bound for a good game already after those strings of not-so-good games. I thought today she was a lot better. Sabi mo nga, 12 and nine. Sa efficiency, she was plus-10,” said Dimaunahan.
“We really challenged Angel to come out and play well today and good thing she did her job today.”
