The NU Lady Bulldogs are raring to dedicate their title defense in UAAP Season 88 to the memory of the late Ashlyn Abong.
Each team has its own unique challenges in the preparation for an upcoming season, but the NU Lady Bulldogs had to endure tragedy as part of their buildup for UAAP Season 88.
In June, one of the Lady Bulldogs’ incoming rookies, Ashlyn Abong, died suddenly in the middle of practice despite being only 18 years old.
The whole ordeal left the team struggling to find their footing, and the tragedy is one major factor to deal with ahead of NU's title defense.
As one of the leaders of the team, veteran Karl Ann Pingol said that they are simply focusing on what they can do in the aftermath of Abong’s death.
[RELATED: Gilas Women Youth’s Ashlyn Abong passes away at 18]
Motivated to give honor to their fallen teammate, Pingol and the rest of the Lady Bulldogs are raring to play.
“Sinabi ko naman sa kanila na kung ano man yung nangyari, gawin nalang namin kung ano yung mac-control namin,” Pingol said during the media day of UAAP Season 88 at the TV5 Building in Mandaluyong.
“Gagawin namin ‘to para sa teammate namin, kung ano parin yung goal namin this season mas le-level up pa namin para kay Abong,” she added.
The NU Lady Bulldogs enter UAAP Season 88 as defending champions. Photo: RM Chua
The Lady Bulldogs won their 8th title in the last nine seasons last December, successfully regaining the crown after a fierce three-game series with the UST Growling Tigresses.
With Abong’s sudden passing derailing NU’s plans for a smooth start in Season 88, the Lady Bulldogs can only hope that they are able to give her justice in how they play.
“Syempre, hanggang ngayon mahirap parin na naiisip mo parin yun,” admitted another NU stalwart in Angel Surada.
“But you know, as long as sama-sama kami, I don’t think wala kaming hindi kayang malagpasan,” she continued.
Apart from the personal loss, the Lady Bulldogs are also dealing with a new program under new head coach DA Olan who replaced Aris Dimaunahan.
NU will also head into UAAP Season 88 without a batch of trusty seniors who already moved on to the pro ranks, such as Mai Canuto, Pring Fabruada, and Camille Clarin.
Still, with pride and Abong’s honor on the line, the Lady Bulldogs will look to pull out all the stops to hopefully get another championship, this time a little sweeter.