Tuesday, October 09, 2007 Lady Pelicans gear up for next season’s flight By Raymond C. Garcia
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Less than a week after the University of the Assumption (UA) bowed out of the Colleges and Universities Sports Association women’s basketball competition, the Lady Pelicans are still out to celebrate.
The Lady Pelicans settled for the second place at the expense of powerhouse Philippine College of Criminology (PCCr) in the best of three finals’ showdown.
But the setback isn’t grounding the Lady Pelicans for long with their plans already afoot for the next season.
“Definitely we will comeback next season. We will be mapping out our plans for next year soon,” said head coach Gerry Flores, who earlier admitted that they will be going up against a really strong team.
Several collegiate tournaments are also being planned to be lined up including the Champions’ League and possibly the PRISAA.
Meanwhile, UA’s Kristel Yamat made it to the Mythical First Team after averaging at least 20 points per game, double figures in terms of rebound as well as in the assist department.
The UA spitfire also leads her team in scoring and provides more fire-power for coach Flores in terms of leadership and experience.
“If you look at the overall picture, the team achieved more than what people expected us to achieve,” said Flores.
Flores also said they are grateful to the UA management especially to the university president, Bishop Roberto Mallari, DD and the three vice presidents, Msgr. Edgardo Pangan (administration), Fr. Deo Galang (finance) and Fr. Winnie Santos (academic affairs).
Completing the Lady Pelicans’ roster are Michelle Mangulabnan Noemi Malit, Kimberly Pabustan, Katrina Gonzales, Eliza Yumul, Rutchelle Manansala, Sofia Dueñas, Nurhaina Usop, Michelle Salonga, Jeffrey Culala, Rey Reg, Philip Liongson and Marcial Quioge and assistant coach Rannie Pelegrin.
“Obviously we didn’t have the talent level that we had last year. But the players nobody expected to do well a lot this CUSA season from the last season. Again, we’ll work on the players’ skills. CUSA is a veteran’s league. Normally, teams that have quality veterans are the ones who rule. The veterans are really the key,” said Flores.
