The NU Lady Bulldogs had the support of alumni Camille Clarin and Mikka Cacho at the sidelines to start their UAAP Season 88 title defense.
They may have already graduated from the NU women’s basketball program, but Camille Clarin and Mikka Cacho still support their former team — catching the action live in their opening game in UAAP Season 88 against the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday.
With NU chasing its ninth title in the last 10 UAAP seasons, Clarin and Cacho provided added motivation for the Lady Bulldogs who are dealing with a transition period, especially after Clarin’s exit and the new coaching program of head coach DA Olan.
After the match, veterans Tine Cayabyab and Karl Pingol spoke about the importance of having former teammates cheering them on in the stands.
“We’re very happy kasi kahit wala na sa amin sa team, ramdam pa rin namin yung support nila, yung presence nila outside the court,” Cayabyab said.
“We know naman na kahit wala sila inside the court, ramdam namin yung kung paano sila maging athlete sa amin, gina-guide kami. Siyempre dadalhin namin kung ano man yung mga natutunan namin sa kanila noong mga time na kasama namin sila dito,” she added.
Cayabyab finished with an all-around game of 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block in the win.
NU through and through
En route to an 89-64 demolition of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, the Lady Bulldogs leaned on a total of seven players with at least six points in the win.
After a 36-19 start, NU did not look back and led by as many as 33 points in the commanding victory.
With the rest of the season still ahead of them, Pingol, who tallied 12 points, nine boards, four assists, six steals, and one block, believes that no matter what happens, the NU Lady Bulldogs of the past will always have their backs.
“Siguro sa akin, we're grateful kasi nandyan sila. And alam namin na kahit anong mangyari, sumusuporta pa rin sila. Kahit wala naman sila sa team namin, pero nandyan pa rin sila, gumagabay. Nandyan lang sila sa team,” she said.
NU is bracing for a tougher challenge in the next game on October 1 when the defending champs face the UST Growling Tigresses in a Finals rematch at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.