Even without superstars, Aquino steers Lady Bulldogs to a perfect season

NU coach Patrick Aquino. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

National U Lady Bulldogs coach Pat Aquino wouldn’t deny that this fourth straight UAAP title could be considered as his toughest granting the players he lost for this Season 80 campaign.

“From the start, this is a team that has no identity. We lost Afril Bernardino and Gemma Miranda,” he said.

NU’s dominance in the women’s division from Season 77 to 79 has largely been attributed to the brilliance of three-time MVP Bernardino and two-time Finals MVP Miranda.

But this year was a lot different as the two cornerstones were nowhere to be found for the Lady Bulldogs.

“This time, there’s no superstars,” said Aquino.

But that didn’t stop his other wards from stepping up in the tough Finals series against University of East as they did their part in sustaining NU’s 64-0 run.

Season MVP Jack Animam, Finals MVP Trixie Antiquiera, Congolese center Rhena Itesi, guard Ria Nabalan, and senior Janet Sison all had their share of the limelight to help the Lady Bulldogs prevail including the 79-68 Game 2 victory on Sunday.

And Aquino couldn’t be more proud with how they rose to the occasion.

“I’m just happy that my players excelled. We never imagined that we’ll go this far, but with the support of everybody, from the bosses to the NU community, we’re thankful for the trust they gave us,” he said.

After its women’s basketball team wrapped puts its fourth straight perfect season, its the Adamson softball team’s to keep its streak, currently at 73 games and the longest in UAAP senior’s history, going.

“I don’t want to think about it, but at the back of my mind, the pressure is already there. I hope we can get to beat that record. Hopefully, we could achieve that,” he said.

But for now, Aquino and his wards wouldn’t mind savoring this title quest. “We’re just going to enjoy this championship.”