Second-year player Celine Marsh was able to play her best game for the NU Lady Bulldogs in their win over UE in UAAP Season 88.
The NU Lady Bulldogs were up to the challenge despite missing ace rookie Sam Cantada, dominating the UE Lady Warriors, 25-19, 25-10, 25-19, in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While Cantada was in uniform, the 19-year-old did not see action as she continues to recuperate from a right shin injury she sustained last weekend.
Celine Marsh was tasked to step up in Cantada's absence, with the sophomore hitter getting the start for coach Regine Diego’s squad.
Despite a slow start, Marsh made full use of her opportunity and scored 11 points, built on eight attacks, two aces, and a block.
She also had 12 excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
"Personally, I’ve been struggling with my mindset lately po. This game I think yung ginawa ko lang po talaga is ano po yung na-training ko before ng game day." Marsh said after helping NU return to the win column.
"Inisip ko lang po na aayusin ko lang po kasi lalabas at lalabas po yung laro ko without overthinking stuff.”
Marsh's performance didn't go unnoticed by Diego as well, who was the least surprised at how well her player was able to step up in crucial times for the Lady Bulldogs.
"I never really doubted Celine’s performance. I never really feel like na malaki ‘yung mawawala kapag may isang player na hindi makakalaro kasi I have somebody else to help the team. Tulungan lang talaga kami," Diego said.
Marsh was one of three NU players in double-digit scoring, with Arah Panique leading the pack with 12 markers. Skipper Vange Alinsug also had 11 points of her own.
Rookies like Jenelyn Jacob and Pat Salazar also had significant playing time and scored three points each.
NU's win helped the the defending champs leap to solo second with a 4-1 record.
Meanwhile, the UE Lady Warriors are now 0-5 for the season, with a 19-game skid dating back to last year.
NU returns to action against Ateneo on Sunday, March 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UE locks horns with undefeated La Salle the day before on Saturday, March 7, at the same Quezon City venue.
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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.