UAAP: Arah Panique’s career game keeps NU unbeaten

NU’s Arah Panique during a game against FEU in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—National University turned to Arah Panique to deliver the goods against Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Panique didn’t just repay the trust given to her by Regine Diego and the rest of the coaching staff, she also had the best game in her UAAP career to keep NU undefeated.

READ: UAAP: NU rallies to beat FEU for 3-0 record

“I was just motivated with my teammates because I saw their grit to win and their eagerness,” Panique said after their 17-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-12 win over the Lady Tamaraws.

“I just became composed inside the court and thought about how I can help.”

Panique finished with a career-high 27 points built on 23 attacks, three blocks and an ace with six digs for good measure.

After looking down the barrel of a 0-2 set deficit, Panique willed NU’s fightback until the fifth set.

READ: UAAP: Arah Panique flourishing in new role for NU

In fact, she shut the door on the Lady Tamaraws, scoring NU’s final two points.

“I’m really happy because I saw our team slow down in the first two sets and it motivated me to give my best. The team needed me and I knew I needed to step up,” she said in Filipino.

Panique was backstopped by Vange Alinsug, who scored 15, as the Lady Bulldogs rose to a league-best 3-0 mark.