Lady Bulldogs to apply international experience in quest for local prowess

MANILA, Philippines – National University is out to weave the rich experience it harvested from multiple international stints into the collegiate field as the school aims to restore order as one of the superpowers.

And this early, the Lady Bulldogs already displayed a glimpse of that goal by racing to a 2-0 start and clinching a playoff spot in its title defense bid in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Season 2.

“Maganda dito at mache-check namin kung may natutunan ba kami sa international at kung nag-mature ba kami. That’s the expectation,” said coach Norman Miguel in his return to the squad after the pandemic.

“The expectation is to translate our experience in the overseas games here into the local tournaments.”

Miguel’s comeback at NU began with the national team, where he also serves as assistant coach to Brazilian tactician Jorge Edson Souza de Brito, as the core of the Lady Bulldogs comprised the majority of the squad.

SSL MVP Alyssa Solomon and former UAAP Rookie-MVP Mhicaela Belen led the way as NU duked it out against established national teams in the SEA V. League in Vietnam and the Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship in Thailand.

No less than a superb performance at home, especially as the SSL defending champion, is the next order of business for NU before trying to reclaim the throne in the UAAP after losing it to new queen La Salle.

“Ako personally, syempre gusto namin magchampion pero hindi na ‘yung tipong, walang makaka-set. Basta makuha namin ‘yung top. Yun ang tatrabahuhin namin dito sa SSL,” said Miguel as NU came off a banner campaign with perfect runs both in the UAAP and the SSL last year.

Still unbeaten at 2-0 in Pool A, the Lady Bulldogs go for a sweep