Even before facing the National University Lady Bulldogs, there is a sense of intimidation that can be seen in the eyes of their opponents. And it’s because of the pedigree they carry.
The Lady Bulldogs have won four championships, and are armed with a historic winning streak. And not just any streak besides, but a run that is on the verge of being the longest of its kind in UAAP history.
But in order to one-up the streak of the Adamson Softball Team, NU’s Women’s Basketball squad has to go through the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses.
And the Growling Tigresses are better equipped to match the Lady Bulldogs this time around with 6-foot-3 Grace Irebu.
“Actually, yung last year, I miss Jhenn Angeles and Anjel Anies – easy forty points yun eh. But with the addition of Grace Irebu, nagkaroon ako ng poste,” said third-year UST head coach Haydee Ong, as she now has someone to defend Rhena Itesi.
“Ibang dimension naman yung nabigay niya sa game.”
UST lost their opening round outing to NU, 71-79, last September 9. But they did not have skipper Sai Larosa that time, as she was serving a one-game suspension. Since returning, the 21-year-old utility forward has been averaging 19.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
Now in her final year, the native of Sorsogon shared that she has overcome the fear of facing the Lady Bulldogs.
“Nung rookie pa kami, may takot eh. Ganun yung instinct ‘pag bata ka,” she recalled. “Pero ako personally, hindi na yung takot ang iniisip mo eh.
“Ang takot na iisip ko lang siguro is yung hindi ako maka-deliver. Baka ako mismo magkulang para sa team, hindi yung takot ako sa makakalaban namin.”
And Larosa believes that this batch of Tigresses can do what the 2016 batch of Tiger Softbelles did: snap a historic streak.
“Oo naman, kaya namin yung NU. Basta kung hindi kami lalayo sa sistema, hindi kami lalayo,” declared Larosa.
“I think sa amin, wala kaming pressure. Sila meron kasi may hinahabol sila na history,” added Ong.
“Nothing to lose kami. We have to play and just enjoy this game.”
