National University embraced the pressure yet silence became one of its best weapons heading into the UAAP Season 84 women's volleyball tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs, who spent long months in a bubble setup just like any other teams in the UAAP, kept their focus to themselves and remained locked in with the ultimate prize of winning the elusive crown.
NU, after 65 long years, finally did just that and even stamped a rare 16-0 run and swept De La Salle, 2-0, in the Finals.
What made it more special is the fact that the squad was led by rookie-laden core and a first-year coach in Karl Dimaculangan, who previously mentored the winless University of the East.
The likes of team captain Princess Robles, Jen Nierva, and Ivy Lacsina were there to extend their helping hand especially to their prized rookies in Michaela Belen, who raked in the Rookie of the Year, Season Most Valuable Player, and #1 Best Outside Hitter honors, and Alyssa Solomon, the league's Best Opposite Hitter.
READ: Michaela Belen makes history as first-ever rookie-MVP awardee
"Stepping into this season kasi our mindset was, 'yong tao they're expecting Ateneo-La Salle, the usuals. Kami, sabi namin, 'di pa nila nakikita 'yong team. Like the rookies, sila Belle, sila Aly," explained Nierva, who also won the Best Libero plum.
"We stayed silent lang kung paano kami nag-prepare and we made sure na once na makalaro kami in the UAAP, magbibigay kami ng panibagong image for the school."
The Lady Bulldogs did not disappoint as the Jhocson-based squad made records after records by sweeping the tournament. Alyssa Valdez and the Ateneo Blue Eagles were the last UAAP squad to complete the "sweep 16" last Season 77.
Aside from that, NU, rooting from its dominant high school program, finally flexed its might in the collegiate scene after also sweeping the individual awards with all awardees coming from the juniors' champion squad.
Nierva, however, added that pressure never became a hindrance to the Lady Bulldogs given the right mix of chemistry and strong gelling they have attained since high school.
"I guess 'yong experience na 'yon, it helped on how we're going to handle the pressure and stay composed kahit na tumaas 'yong expectations, every game namin."