The National University Lady Bulldogs had to dig deep to keep their unbeaten streak intact on Sunday afternoon. Standing in the way of a fourth straight season sweep and a championship to boot was a veteran-laden University of the East Lady Warriors squad.
At the end of the day, however, the Lady Bulldogs’ championship experience prevailed over the Lady Warriors’ individual talent, as NU swept UE, 79-68.
Patrick Aquino, who has steered the program from also-rans to champions, admitted that this was one of his toughest seasons, especially after they lost superstars Afril Bernardino and Gemma Miranda to graduation a year ago.
“The thing is, sabi ko from the start na this is a team that has no identity. We lost Afril Bernardino and Gemma Miranda. This time there’s no superstars,” the youthful mentor shared. “I’m just happy na nag-e-excel din yung mga players natin.
“We never imagined that we’ll go this far.”
With NU’s winning streak now at 64 straight games, the Lady Bulldogs will enter Season 81 just 10 games shy from breaking the longest-ever streak in the seniors division, set by the Adamson Lady Falcons Softball team.
Led by coach Ana Santiago, the Lady Falcons’ 73-game run spanned seven seasons. But just like all streaks, it had to end. Last March 2, 2016, the UST Tiger Softbelles stunned Adamson, 6-2.
Though Aquino declared that the Lady Bulldogs will continue to have that one game at a time-mentality entering next season, he also said that the pressure is on for them to break the record.
“Ayokong isipin but at the back of my mind, the pressure is already there.
“I hope we can get to beat that record. Hopefully, we could achieve that. As of now, we’re just going to enjoy this championship,” Aquino said.
Moreover, the Lady Bulldogs are equipped to do so.
Even if they are set to lose Trixie Antiquera, Cherry Ano-os, and Janet Sison to graduation, the Lady Bulldogs will have six rookies entering next season, headlined by former Adamson Lady Falcon Kaye Pingol.
“We made sure that our recruitment is until 2021.
“We have six rookies next year to replace our three graduating players. Jack [Animam] is still going be there, Rhena [Itesi] and Ria [Nabalan], [Je-Anne] Camelo’s still there, we’ll be a formidable team again next year,” the chief tactician of Perlas Pilipinas said.
And that’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
