The National University Lady Bulldogs seek for more growth in their stint in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals that fired off last Wednesday, July 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

With the UAAP season on break and the absence of two-time MVP Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Arah Panique to national team duties, the Lady Bulldogs are using the tournament as an opportunity to cultivate their team chemistry and depth.

“Bago pa kami pumasok na tournament na to, naka-mindset na kami na there will be no Bella, Arah and Alyssa. This is a great opportunity not only as an individual and for the team na rin kung to see hanggang saan kami,” said NU skipper Erin Pangilinan.

“This will also give an opportunity na rin sa mga bagong darating sa team to showcase their skills. Papasok din kasi dyan yung maturity ng bawat isa na paano mag-ii-step-up yung bawat player,” she added.

Pangilinan, along with Sheena Toring and Belen, are staying for another year with the Lady Bulldogs as they gun to retain their UAAP crown.

And for Pangilinan, continuing to play for the Lady Bulldogs is something that should be cherished.

“Nasimulan na namin eh. It’s like NU is unknown before and now, kitang-kita siya ngayon, lutang na lutang siya ngayon in every way,” Pangilinan said.

“So, we love to keep seeing NU that way. We’re going to work hard for it,” she added.

The Lady Bulldogs, which missed last year's edition, are bracketed in SSL’s Pool A with Enderun Colleges and Xavier University-Northern Mindanao Selection while Pool B has University of Santo Tomas, University of Batangas and Team SOCKSARGEN.

Pool C is composed of Far Eastern University, Lyceum, and University of Southern Philippines Foundation, while Pool D is made up of College of St. Benilde, Letran and University of San Carlos.

Defending champion De La Salle, meanwhile, begged off due to player injuries.