The dust of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament has long settled. But for NU Lady Bulldogs coach Regine Diego, the lessons of it will remain for a long time.
Coming in, Diego already knew rebuilding a championship program was never going to be easy.
And after seeing her Lady Bulldogs fall short against the mighty La Salle Lady Spikers in the Finals, Diego reflected on a demanding first year that tested not only her players but also her own growth as a coach.
“It was not easy; there were a lot of setbacks with this team. The transition was not as smooth as I wanted it to be, but this is the UAAP, and this is not some random competition. This is where you will know who you are, and my character also was tested—not only the players’ character,” Diego said after NU’s straight-sets loss in Game 2 of the Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Hopefully, this made me grow as a coach and as a person. Hopefully, I can learn a lot of things from this and get better the next time.”
Regine Diego Thrown into Difficult Situation
Taking over a program following the departures of stars Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Erin Pangilinan, and Sheena Toring, Regine Diego faced immediate pressure to steer NU into a new era.
Her decisions throughout the season also drew attention, particularly her use of backup setter Abe Pono instead of two-time Best Setter Camilla Lamina during the early stages of the elimination round.
Despite the challenges, Diego still guided the Lady Bulldogs back to the Finals and another top-two finish.
“Sa start talaga, we were not expecting a lot, but we have to do our best, hindi ba? The fact that we are here can only tell us that we can still do it, and we are still there. For sure, we will come back hungrier next year,” Diego shared.
“Siyempre, being still at the top two, we are hopeful to get back to the championship next year.”
NU Hopes to Reload
NU is expected to continue leaning on its strong pipeline from NU Nazareth School as it reloads for Season 89.
With Lamina set to graduate, the Lady Bulldogs will still retain key veterans Vange Alinsug, Shaira Jardio, and Chammy Maaya for one final season, alongside rising stars Sam Cantada, Celine Marsh, Harlyn Serneche, Abe Pono, and IC Cepada.
“We have reinforcements naman coming from our high school program. ‘Yon naman talaga ang tradition with NU, and hopefully, we get to be stronger pa next year,” she said.
“And just like all of the teams, we are going to prepare better.”
And expect Regine Diego to take the lessons of this season in preparing NU for the battles ahead.
