For the entire course of the season, Trixie Antiquera of the National University Lady Bulldogs has been flying under the radar. Though averaging a stellar 11.4 points in the elimination round, her output was overshadowed by All-UAAP team members Jack Animam, Ria Nabalan, and Rhena Itesi.
But entering the final stage of her collegiate career, the shooting guard wanted to have her moment. And she was able to accomplish it on Wednesday afternoon, leading NU to an 89-61 romping of the University of the East Lady Warriors to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
The Bacolod native waxed hot, scoring 19 of her 30 points in the first half. At one point in the contest, she was able to match the scoring output of the entire Lady Warriors.
Aquino could not be happier for his captain.
“It was a good win. Again, just happy for the girls, especially Trixie [Antiquiera],” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Patrick Aquino.
“She’s in her last playing year and having the grand time of having the three-point [barrage]. I’m happy for her.”
For Antiquera, this outing was a result of the hard work she put in the gym.
“Masaya kasi lahat ng extra shooting ko after ng practice, yun naman nagbunga. Sabi ng coaches ko, magtiwala ako sa sarili ko,” she shared.
Moreover, Antiquera is planning to one-up this outing come Sunday, December 3, wanting to end her UAAP career right then and there.
“Sa last season ko, pinromise ko na gagawin ko ang best ko,” she closed.
“All out na ito. Bigay ko na lahat ng kya kong ibigay.”