Cielo Pagdulagan played beyond her years, stepping up when it mattered most to power National University (NU) to a perfect 14-0 sweep in the elimination rounds of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball tournament.
For her impressive display of skill and composure, Pagdulagan was named the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) UAAP Women’s Player of the Week, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), for the period of November 13 to 23, as the Lady Bulldogs secured their much-awaited spot in the Final Four.
Pagdulagan emerged as the top choice for the weekly honor in women’s basketball, edging out bigger names like UP’s Louna Ozar, UST’s Kent Pastrana and Tacky Tacatac, NU’s Angel Surada, and UP’s Kaye Pesquera.
The 19-year-old rookie proved to be a steady force in NU’s final two games, delivering efficient performances to help the Lady Bulldogs defeat DLSU and FEU.
These victories sealed their perfect 14-0 elimination round sweep and secured them an outright Finals berth.
Pagdulagan averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 blocks during the period, becoming the second Lady Bulldog to claim the Player of the Week award this season, following senior Camille Clarin, who earned back-to-back citations earlier in their redemption campaign.
“Super happy kasi first year ko tapos nag-sweep po agad kami sa may Finals,” said Pagdulagan. “Pero gaya nga po ng sinabi ni Ate Angel, job’s not done. Kung bakit po kami nag-sweep sa Finals, kasi wi-nork po talaga namin. And yun nga, hindi pa po tapos ang laban, so kailangan pa po namin magtrabaho.”
The Lady Bulldogs are set to enjoy a 10-day break before the Finals, but Pagdulagan emphasized the importance of staying focused and addressing their weaknesses.
“Di kami magiging kampante. Ten days nga yun, so yung mga lapses namin ngayon, pwede naming magawan ng paraan. Pagdating ng Finals, hindi na kami masyadong mahirapan and makapag-adjust kami,” she shared.
