Lady Archers set to defend UAAP title

Amidst the intensity of the UAAP Women’s Basketball tournament last season, the DLSU Lady Archers mixed their hunger for a championship with grit and determination to end their prolonged drought.

After winning three straight UAAP championships from 2000 to 2002, the chance of bagging a championship trophy became elusive for the Lady Archers for more than a decade. But after 11 years of waiting, the championship finally went back to Taft Avenue as the Lady Archers were hailed the UAAP 76 Women’s Basketball champions after beating the NU Lady Bulldogs. The previous season brought back the glory days of the Lady Archers and as a fresh UAAP season unfolds this coming July, their quest to defend their precious title will also begin.

Head coach Tyrone Bautista will have at his disposal a cast of veterans for UAAP 77, a key factor that will help them remain dominant as the new season kicks off. The Taft-based Lady Archers will be led by veterans Ara Abaca, Trisha Piatos, and Inna Corcuera. However, UAAP 77 will also mark their final voyage with the Green-and-White, together with other two graduating players namely Nicole Garcia and Niky Scott.

Abaca is one of the most reliable players in the league and averaged 13.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game during the eliminations last season. As the leading scorer and rebounds for DLSU, Abaca was once again named a Mythical team member last season and in the final game of the finals, she chipped in 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Another Lady Archer to count on is last year’s Finals MVP Piatos. Despite her lack of height, Piatos uses her speed and shooting precision to make her presence felt whenever she steps on the hard court.

With Abaca, Piatos and the other graduating veterans now entering their last chance to play in the UAAP, these senior players are expected to lead the team’s defense of the championship. However, the Lady Archers will not solely rely on these veterans as there are also several young players on the squad who can be counted on.

Former Angelicum College star player Camille Claro had an impressive debut as a rookie last year and coming in to her second campaign with the team, this sensational rookie will definitely show a lot more of her basketball prowess. The Lady Archers will also be bolstered by rookie and former De La Salle-Zobel standout Jaime Roxas this coming season.

With the new UAAP season fast approaching, the Lady Archers seek to win their second consecutive title and continue their reign as the queens of the league.

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First round schedule for the DLSU Lady Archers 

JULY 13, 2014, SUNDAY

03:00pm – DLSU vs UST – Blue Eagle Gym

JULY 16, 2014, WEDNESDAY
11:00am – DLSU vs FEU – Blue Eagle Gym

JULY 19, 2014, SATURDAY

09:00am – Adamson vs DLSU – Blue Eagle Gym

JULY 24, 2014, THURSDAY

01:00pm – UP vs DLSU – Blue Eagle Gym

JULY 27, 2014, SUNDAY

01:00pm – DLSU vs UE – Blue Eagle Gym

AUGUST 3, 2014, SUNDAY

01:00pm – ADMU vs DLSU – Blue Eagle Gym

AUGUST 10, 2014, SUNDAY

01:00pm – NU vs DLSU – Blue Eagle Gym

[Schedule via DLSU OSD]