Even for the UAAP's most dominant team, the path to glory isn't always sunny.
Whenever they hit the court, the National University Lady Bulldogs made sure they were not only getting the job done but also had fun doing it. So while the starters play, the reserves keep their spirits up by dancing to the beat of drums, cheers, and music in a sidelines show that came to be known as the 'dogshow.'
However, Bella Belen and Sheena Toring said winning championships is not all fun and games.
Along the way, they had to weather internal storms, find ways to get through the 'dark days.'
“Matagal na kaming magkakasama, high school pa, alam na alam na namin ‘yung baho ng isa’t isa," Toring told SPIN.ph. "We treat each other na parang magkakapatid, maraming lows pero para bang wala kaming choice kundi ayusin kasi kami-kami lang ‘yan para sa isa’t isa,”
How frequent are these tough days?
They occur during intense practices, team meetings, and crucial moments of a game, especially when fatigue sets in, and most notably, during losses.
'Nagkakasisihan, nagda-doubt'
“Marami yan sa amin kahit na ‘dogshow’ kami, katulad versus UST sa Game 2, merong point sa laro nagkakasisihan, nagda-doubt, nung trailing kami sa set.” Belen, the Season 86 MVP, weighed in.
In the second set against the Golden Tigresses, in particular, after the Lady Bulldogs found themselves frustrated as UST stormed to an early lead.
As the leader, Belen was quick to intervene.
“Nakikita ko na nawawala na sa focus yung team kasi masyadong dinadamdam ‘yung errors, kaya ni-remind ko na, ‘Hoy, hindi pwedeng hindi tayo magkasundo ngayon, kailangan sama-sama. Relax lang, hindi pa tapos ang laro at may chance pa tayong bumawi,'” she shared.
In the subsequent set, they regrouped and finished stronger, eventually clinching victory in the fourth set.
For seasoned players like Belen, Alinsug, Alyssa Vange Solomon, and Toring, among others, victory tasted sweeter the second time around because it was harder-earned.
“Mas masaya ito kasi natakot kami, kinabahan kami, and dahil dun mas nag-push ‘yung team namin to be better. Hindi tayo perfect team, natatalo pa tayo,” Belen said.
Sweeter the second time around
Toring added: “Itong season na to, na-test kami mentally, dalawa talo namin ng eliminations, and kami din sa middle, may pagkukulang kami nung umpisa, inaccept namin yun at tinrabaho.”
While the 16-0 sweep on the way to the UAAP Season 84 championship was satisfying, this title run no doubt tasted sweeter.
“Para sa amin, blessing in disguise ‘yung mga talo na ‘yun, pati mga talo sa sets, kasi dahil dun, nakita namin kung paano namin ihandle ang team," said Belen. "Dun pinatibay yun, lumabas yung mga pagkakaiba namin ng pagiisip, pero dun napatunayan ‘yung iisa naming gusto gawin."
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