KELLI Hayes' numbers in her first UAAP game was far from impressive, but National University coach Pat Aquino was nevertheless pleased.
"She was great," said the five-time UAAP champion coach of his Fil-Am forward's four points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists in the Lady Bulldogs' 80-60 win over FEU in the UAAP Season 82 women's basketball tournament.
It was actually a fine performance considering that she just arrived from US on Tuesday.
"I was rehabbing my back in the States," she explained.
Hayes expects a better performance from herself in the next game against.
"It was fun playing with NU. I hadn't had any real expectations for myself other than being a good teammate and running the system," she said.
"I ran the system with Gilas so it's really nothing new to me. But it was a good experience for me in this first time on the court with everyone in a real game and getting the win."
"It's exciting to get to this legacy that's been built here," she said, fully aware of the 81-game win streak NU enjoys in this quest for a six-peat.
"I just try to be myself, bring my leadership and experience from UCLA, my seniority and all the intangibles that I already possess and just bring it to the team and carry on the legacy that's been built here."
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