NU head coach DA Olan and reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Ann Pingol in Season 88. UAAP Media/File
MANILA—The National University Lady Bulldogs are carrying the sting of last season's Finals heartbreak as they look to reclaim the UAAP women's basketball crown in Season 89.
NU came within one win of completing its back-to-back title run in Season 88, finishing the elimination round with a 12-2 record and securing the second seed in the stepladder playoffs.
After narrowly edging Ateneo to book a Finals berth, the Lady Bulldogs opened the championship series against the undefeated University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses with a win, only to falter in the second game before eventually succumbing in the deciding match.
Head coach DA Olan believes that painful finish remains the Lady Bulldogs' biggest motivation heading into the new season.
"Last season, we fell short sa aming goal. We were one win away from achieving our goal, so probably 'yon ang pinaka-biggest motivation namin for this season: the feeling that we had when we lost," Olan said.
NU will bank on a core that still includes reigning Most Valuable Player Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, Aloha Betano, Bonie Solis, Dindy Medina and Gheralyn Icco.
The Lady Bulldogs also continue to benefit from their pipeline, with Elite Team members Aubrey Lapasaran and Adin Rosano joining the higher ranks after coming from NU's high school program.
"Just like any other team, we always want to give our graduating players the best exit. We expect the six seniors to give their best, their all-out, because this is their final year," he said.
NU, however, will have to move forward without Angel Surada, who has since joined the Gilas Pilipinas women's program.
The Jhocson-based squad will look to open their season on a high note against the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena.