NU's Regine Diego is one of just two women serving as head coach in UAAP Season 88 and she hopes to use her platform with the Lady Bulldogs to be an inspiration for women in sports.
The NU Lady Bulldogs zoomed to their fifth win of UAAP Season 88, dumping the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-18, 25-18, 25-15, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Apart from welcoming back Sam Cantada from a one-game absence due to injury, this matchup also gave first-year head coach Regine Diego a meaningful victory on International Women’s Day.
One of just two women serving as head coach this season, Diego took pleasure in being able to show her wares alongside her talented players.
Knowing the struggles women go through in male-dominated fields, she's happy to be a beacon of hope through her own work.
"It’s not easy to be a woman in this country. And it’s harder to be in a male-dominated industry but I was put here by God because I have a purpose here, so as much as I can, I’m here to share whatever I know, whatever I learn along the way," Diego said after the match.
"Hopefully we get to inspire not just women but everybody who understands and who can accept that women can be one of the best everywhere.”
As it is, Diego carries a heavy responsibility with the Lady Bulldogs, with expectations set on their shoulders as two-time defending champions and winners of three of the last four UAAP titles.
But as a former champion player herself, Diego focusing only on the voices that matter.
Rather than simply eyeing success, Diego hopes to pave the way for the bigger picture of women in sports.
"We’re just happy to be here in this platform, in this arena, to represent a lot of women, and hopefully, more women can be up here with me and with all of us, hopefully we get to inspire more women, children, and everyone of all colors, of all genders,” she said.
"We can do it as long as we do our best,” Diego continued.
Against Ateneo, Lady Bulldogs were led by Vange Alinsug 18 points, while Arah Panique added 10 markers.
Cantada, who has recovered from a right shin injury, had six points in her return to action.
NU is now at 5-1 and will next face the DLSU Lady Spikers in a marquee Finals rematch next Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ateneo, meanwhile, is winless in six games. The Blue Eagles battle the UE Lady Warriors next Saturday also at the MOA Arena.
Ana Hermosura and Dona De Leon both had seven points in the losing effort for the Blue Eagles.
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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.