NU Lady Bulldogs team captain Cess Robles. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — After seeing limited action in National University’s second-round loss to La Salle last week due to a swollen knee, Cess Robles made an immediate impact to bring back the winning ways of her team in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
The NU skipper dropped 11 points as the Lady Bulldogs ended a two-game skid with a 25-21, 27-25, 25-20 victory over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I worked hard because I have an injury. I really wanted to play so I [worked] double time so I could play today,” said Robles in Filipino after the win.
“My meniscus was swollen but now it’s okay.”
NU Lady Bulldogs. UAAP PHOTO
With the Fighting Maroons forcing a tight battle, especially in the second set, the Finals MVP was quick to remind her teammates to focus on their goal.
“We had a slow start so we reminded each other that we can’t play like that because we might lose,” said Robles in Filipino. “In the first round, it took four sets for us to beat UP. So we set a goal this time to end it in straight sets. These past few days we really worked on our lapses as preparation against UP.”
Robles said they needed to show strong character and bring back their championship form to snap a two-game skid from unbeaten leader La Salle last week.
WATCH: Bella Belen and Cess Robles on ending a two-game skid in the #UAAPSeason85. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/cnxjOgcWIW
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 1, 2023
“[We have to show] our character since we’re a champion team last year. We need to bring back what we did last year,” she said.
Robles and the Lady Bulldogs will take a Holy Week break before battling the No.2 Adamson Lady Falcons (7-2) on April 12 at FilOil EcoOil Centre.