All eyes were on the setting of rookie Eshana Nunag as the DLSU Lady Spikers scored a statement win over the FEU Lady Tamaraws to open UAAP Season 88.
Eshana Nunag showed little first game jitters, shining as La Salle's starting setter in the Lady Spikers' commanding win over the FEU Lady Tamaraws Saturday in UAAP Season 88.
Nunag, who played her debut game in the UAAP, showed tremendous poise in guiding La Salle’s offense in the statement victory.
The rookie was tested in the third set, where she had to maneuver through two big runs as the Lady Spikers completed the sweep.
After the match, Nunag said that the team was able to help build her confidence thanks to such a solid showing.
[RELATED: Shevana Laput, La Salle whip FEU for strong UAAP Season 88 opener]
“Syempre parang sa una, nakakaba dahil freshman and first six na agad. Pero with the help of the coaches and ates, tiwalang-tiwala ako na hindi nila ako ipapahamak and gagawin nila lahat for me and for the team,” she said.
“No problems dahil naa-assure ako sa loob ng court kahit nagkakamali," Nunag added.
Joining a team that went to the Finals last year, Nunag wrapped up her debut game with three points and 12 excellent sets.
More importantly, her setting helped Shevana Laput and Angel Canino as the La Salle heavy hitters started the season with 23 and 15 points, respectively.
Amie Provido also had a strong game, with the middle blocker accounting for another 11 markers.
Leaning on her seniors
While it's a promising start for Nunag, the young setter is still all ears for advice as she navigates her first UAAP season.
Naturally, Nunag leaned on Laput and Canino for steady ground.
“During the game, very vocal sila despite sa mga errors or imperfections sa loob ng court. Lagi sila nandiyan parang no problem naman ganyan, dahil kaya ko raw i-up yung sarili ko beyond that,” she said.
“Lagi sila nandiyan to assure na may papatay [ng bola] dahil as a non-scoring position, sa kanila ko nakukuha yung kumpyansa ko," Nunag added.
Confidence will be key for Nunag as the Lady Spikers return to action next with a huge game against UST Golden Tigresses.
The rematch of the last three Final Four matchups is set for Sunday, February 22, also at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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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.