Women basketball in focus
WITH the recent success of the country’s women’s basketball program, the UAAP is giving more spotlight to the event which has been under the shadows of its men counterparts.
“Representation of women in sports is important. The UAAP is the premier league for women’s basketball,” said deputy commissioner Atty. Mariana Lopa during yesterday’s media launch at the Mall of Asia Arena.
National University, the league’s gold standard since 2014 and has produced several top Gilas Women players, is shooting for an eight-peat.
The Lady Bulldogs saw their historic 108-game winning streak broken last year, as coach Aries Dimaunahan hopes that his team, led by Camille Clarin, will continue to play hard who ever the opponent is.
“Our target is one game at a time. We really have to prepare,” said Dimaunahan.
La Salle coach Cholo Villanueva has an initial goal of reaching the Final Four, saying: “we’ll look forward starting there.”
For University of Santo Tomas’ Haydee Ong, NU remains as the team to beat, but the field can be a Final Four contender.
“Every team is competitive,” said Ong, whose Tigresses will be led by reigning MVP Eka Soriano.
As the new Adamson coach, former Falcon Ryan Monteclaro is getting the feel of his new gig.
“It’s a full circle for me. Being able to represent my alma mater is a privilege and honor. I’m proud. We’re ready to soar to higher heights,” said Monteclaro.
Women’s basketball will open on Sunday, with a morning doubleheader at the Mall of Asia Arena featuring La Salle and FEU at 9 a.m., and UP and Adamson at 11 a.m.
NU battles Ateneo at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena at 3 p.m., right after UST and University of the East take the floor at 1 p.m.
