Naga College Foundation players. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Naga College Foundation stars Kaye Bombita and Arah Panique look forward to showcasing their talents in the collegiate ranks and contribuing to National University’s title-redemption bid in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament next year.
After lifting Naga to the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League, the Bicolana tandem is looking forward to their upcoming college stint as they already committed to studying and playing for NU.
“We’re committed to NU. I will bounce back in college and I will try my best not to disappoint the school and the fans,” said Bombita in Filipino after Naga settled for silver losing to California Academy, 18-25, 25-18, 14-25, 19-25, in the championship game on Saturday at San Andres Gym in Manila.
“As an incoming player of NU, I will support them and if I make it to the line-up, I will continue to work hard as I have more time to train and prepare myself,” she added.
Bombita, the younger sister of Cignal HD Spiker Graze Bombita, said she and Panique were recruited by the Lady Bulldogs during tune-up games and high school tournaments.
The 6-foot Panique, who was hailed as the league’s Best Outside Spiker, is excited to train and play alongside NU stars Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, promising she will continue to work hard regardless if she will remain as a wing spiker or be converted into a middle blocker.
“I’m excited because they are great players and it will be a challenge for me,” said Panique in Filipino. “It’s either I will play as an open spiker or middle blocker but I’m more comfortable playing as a spiker.”
“I will keep on working and doing my best,” she added.
FILE–Cignal HD Spiker Graze Bombita with her former team. PVL PHOTO
The younger Bombita shared that her elder sister, who has been in the Premier Volleyball League for the past seasons, continues to guide her as she takes her act from Naga to Manila.
“Every time I send her pictures of our tune-up and official games, she always tells me: no mercy. Bomba talaga ng bomba,” the young spiker said.
Naga may have failed to win the GVIL championship but both Bombita and Panique are satisfied with their run.
“Not bad for a first-timer here in Shakey’s. I am so proud of my teammates because I know that they did their best to earn this silver. We’re very happy,” Bombita said.
“We didn’t expect to reach the finals. Coming here, our goal was to win the bronze because we know how strong our opponents are but thankfully, we made it to the Finals,” added Panique.