UAAP: Vocal leader Erin Pangilinan continues to guide NU Lady Bulldogs

NU Lady Bulldogs’ Erin Pangilinan during a UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball game against UE Lady Warriors. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—National University mainstay Erin Pangilinan has seen it all with the Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament through the years.

Since joining the NU program in UAAP Season 84, Pangilinan has tasted being in the highs and lows of the league, from winning a title to falling short in the Finals.

NU’s well-renowned middle blocker has also felt what it’s like to play for three coaches in four seasons.

LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball March 1 – UST vs Adamson, NU vs UE

Pangilinan, last season, felt what it’s like to be team captain while bringing her vocal guidance along with her.

She’s not about to stop now, especially not in her final year with the Lady Bulldogs.

“I’m always vocal, even outside scrimmages. I’ve been very vocal ever since because of my past seniors, I got those traits from them so I’m always vocal with giving feedback,” Pangilinan told Inquirer Sports after their straight-set win over University of the East in the Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday night.

“I want to keep the energy in the team. Even if we’re unbeaten, we still have to work on lapses so you have to be vocal to lead the team.”

In the drubbing of the Lady Warriors, Pangilinan finished with eight points built on two blocks and a service ace to power NU to an undefeated record after four games.

READ; UAAP: Erin Pangilinan eager to do better as NU Lady Bulldogs starter

Pangilinan’s ingrained leadership didn’t come out of nowhere.

“It’s such a big help that we’ve been together for so long because that’s the foundation of a team, not the system or whoever’s the coach. We’re always solid whatever happens, that’s what’s instilled in us,” she said.

“I always tell them to focus on what we want. If we have a change in coaching, let’s accept it wholeheartedly and let’s embrace our new roles together for each other. No negative thoughts but more on looking forward to what we can improve on for the team.”

In Pangilinan’s rookie year and her second go-around with NU, it was coach Karl Dimucalangan who called the shots for the Lady Bulldogs.

Last season, it was coach Norman Miguel who steered NU back to the promised land and now it’s Sherwin Meneses getting the keys for the Sampaloc-based squad.

Through it all, Pangilinan became a steady leader inside the NU roster alongside Bella Belen, Sheena Toring, Alyssa Solomon and Camilla Lamina.

Pangilinan and company hope to keep NU undefeated in their fifth game of the season on Sunday against University of the Philippines at the same venue.