The NU Lady Bulldogs huddle with coach DA Olan during their game against FEU in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, September 27, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media
MANILA -- National University opened its title defense in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament with an 89-64 romp over Far Eastern University, Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
In the process, the Lady Bulldogs gave a triumphant welcome to their new head coach, DA Olan, who took over after three-year chief tactician Aris Dimaunahan resigned last August.
Despite losing Camille Clarin to graduation, NU showed no signs of slowing down, exploding for seven three-pointers to grab a commanding 36-19 lead after the opening quarter.
Tin Cayabyab and Marga Villanueva sparked the onslaught with three treys apiece, while Angel Surada added one to set the tone early.
"First game namin syempre inaalay namin ito kay coach DA bilang first time na head coach namin. Sobrang laking tiwala namin sa kanya kasi naging specific siya sa play namin ngayon, mas naging detailed siya sa mga position and play na kailangan namin gawin," said Cayabyab, who starred with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Villanueva chipped in 13 points, while Ann Pingol turned in an all-around performance of 12 points, nine rebounds, six steals, four assists, and a block.
Surada, in her final year with NU, added 11 points and five rebounds, while Aloha Betanio contributed eight points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP Cielo Pagdulagan sat out due to illness."For sure, 'yung first game jitters meron din ako as first time coach pero 'yun nga happy with this win, still big room for improvement for us. I know we can still do better than this," said Olan, who has been part of the Lady Bulldogs program in various capacities for 12 years.
On the other side, Amyah Espanol led FEU with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Shemaiah Abatayo also had 15 points but struggled from the field, shooting just 2-of-10 and earning nine of her points from the free-throw line.
Both squads return to action on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. NU will battle rival University of Santo Tomas in a Finals rematch at 7 p.m., while FEU faces De La Salle University at 12 p.m.
The Scores:
NU (89) – Cayabyab 24, Villanueva 13, Pingol 12, Surada 11, Solis 9, Betanio 8, Pring 6, D. Medina 3, Garcia 2, Canindo 1, Alterado 0, Ico 0, S. Medina 0.
FEU (64) – Abatayo 15, Villanueva 15, Espanol 12, Salvani 7, Dela Torre 5, Lopez 3, Manguiat 3, Pasilang 2, Nagma 2, Patio 0.
Quarterscores: 36-19, 49-28, 67-42, 89-64.