By MARK REY MONTEJO
Cielo Pagdulagan is just a rookie but the way she played in the UAAP Women’s Basketball Finals has assured National University of a sparkplug for at least another three years.
If she gains more confidence, she could also be a part of the Philippine team in the near future.
The 20-year-old guard turned heads in her first-ever championship appearance, leading the Bulldogs to a 78-73 Game 3 win over the UST Golden Tigresses. She topscored with 21 points along with nine rebounds, three assists and three steals.
And fittingly, she was named Finals MVP.
She earned raves for her stellar showing but she refused to take all the credit, pointing to the unwavering trust in her by teammates and coaches as perhaps the biggest factor for the team’s successful redemption campaign.
“Sobrang thankful din ako sa mga teammates ko lalo na sa mga seniors namin na talagang grabe ‘yong tiwala sakin kahit na rookie lang ako,” said Pagdulagan. “Lalo na mga coaches and managers, binibigyan nila ako ng 100 percent na tiwala.”
“Sobrang happy kasi, di naman sa lahat ng school mararamdaman mo ‘yan eh kasi syempre as a rookie may ibang magsasabi na ‘rookie lang ‘yan, wala pa ‘yan,” the BS Business Administration freshman student added.
The proud daughter of Bulan, Sorsogon sparked NU’s run in the second half that saw them take a 64-49 advantage, and in spite of UST’s late counter, they held their ground firmly to prevail.
“I’m very happy din kasi ako na nabigay ko ‘yong best ko tyaka nasa mindset ko talaga na ngayong araw talaga, ibibigay ko ‘yong best ko,” Pagdulagan continued.
“And buti nag-work, kaya pasalamat talaga ako sa kanila, for giving me trust,” she added.
Pagdulagan, who also snared this year’s Rookie of the Year plum, vowed to remain with the Lady Bulldogs as they try to extend their reign for perhaps another seven years.
“Talagang grateful po ako, pero talagang hanggang dulo po, gusto ko po mag-stay dito,” Pagdulagan continued.
“And hopefully, maulit po ito. Para mabalik namin ‘yong dating NU,” she added.
For returning back to the top, NU is now ranked No. 3 for the most number of titles with 8 – needing three more to match FEU and four to equal UST
But what makes NU’s feats very special were they won it all (8 titles) in span of 10 years.
