THE National University Lady Bulldogs are set to begin their UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball campaign, aiming to defend their title in a new era without key players, beginning on Feb. 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
New head coach Regine Diego is optimistic despite the big shoes to fill. She’s counting on the team’s depth and new dynamics to carry them forward, even without key players Bella Belen, Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring and Alyssa Solomon.
“Rebuilding should not be on our minds; we should just play as champions,” Diego told the media during the UAAP Season 88 volleyball presser. Belen, the first-ever UAAP Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player of Season 84, lifted the Lady Bulldogs in numerous battles.
Diego acknowledges the impact of Belen’s departure but is confident her new squad has the grit and championship DNA to succeed.
“Well, there are a lot of girls who came in this year; if someone leaves, there’s someone new. We just have to work as a team. We have to gel because Bella’s time has come to an end, and it was such a time. We want to start and restart as champions.”
Two veterans are expected to lead the roster of the Lady Bulldogs — Shaira Jardio and Vange Alinsug, who both played a pivotal role in NU’s back-to-back championships.
“Especially the seniors, they have to lead and not just step up. All of them, all of those who are in the last year, and championship years,” said Diego, the fourth mentor of the Lady Bulldogs in the past five seasons, following Carl Dimaculangan, Norman Miguel and Sherwin Meneses.
For the former head coach of the now-defunct F2 Logistics in the Premier Volleyball League, a three-peat for the Lady Bulldogs is the goal.