NU Lady Bulldogs captain Camille Clarin relished success after going through uncharted territory as challengers for the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball championship.
NU Lady Bulldogs skipper Camille Clarin acknowledged the impact of completing their redemption season, especially after everything they went through en route to the Game Three win of the UAAP Season 87 finals against the UST Growling Tigresses on Sunday.
Always so used to success, the Lady Bulldogs faced tremendous challenges in Season 86, when they were toppled for the first time in eight UAAP seasons as the Growling Tigresses denied their eight-peat bid.
Now after going through similar challenges but coming out on top against the España team, Clarin said that there was nothing better than how it felt after that final buzzer sounded.
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“It's the best feeling in the world. Especially overcoming everything we have. Nobody knows what we've been through. Nobody knows the effect of ending a dynasty. Nobody knows what it feels like to lose after seven straight championships. But all that's in the past,” said Clarin.
“We are starting a new era. A new era of NU women's basketball. And that started with us. It's just amazing to know that all the hard work, all the hours you chose to keep pushing, was really towards something. That's something they'll never take away from us.” she added.
Even in Season 87 alone, there were mountains that the Lady Bulldogs had to climb — including a frustrating Game Two loss against UST, which forced the series into a deciding Game Three.
Reminiscent of what happened last year, UST were also mounting a late game comeback after a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. But this time, the Lady Bulldogs were able to weather the storm.
It was largely thanks to a defensive stop by Clarin on rookie Karylle Sierba with 27 ticks left in the ball game, which turned into two free throws for the graduating skipper. Making her free throws, Clarin said that it was all about learning from last year’s mistakes.
“Last year, that's what was running through my head. Safety. Everyone always says safety. I knew that that's what they were going to look for. They were going to look for that easy two points. And I made sure to myself, cramps and everything, they're not going to get a basket,” said Clarin.
“Because that's what was going to give them the momentum. I knew that. Even if I wasn't scoring, I was going to get a stop. Just like I told myself.” she added.
Now, Clarin gets to leave the Lady Bulldogs as a three-time champion, and was part of the team that extended their record breaking win streak to 108 games in Season 85.
Staying coy about her next steps, Clarin plans to spend the rest of the year recuperating and getting enough R&R before going back into battle in 2025.
“A party! You see this? A party is next! No more basketball, guys, for the rest of the year, please! I'm tired.” she said.