FOR BACOLODNON Gelina Luceño, it was an achievement unlocked for her to be part of the National University Lady Bulldogs lineup for the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball starting next month.
The Bacolod City native Luceño told the Buzzer Beater that she was ecstatic to be one of the rookies for the rebuilding Lady Bulldogs, which were reeling from the departure of Jaja Santiago, Aiko Urdas and Jorelle Singh.
Aside from Luceño, other newcomers for the Lady Bulldogs were Ilongga Princess Anne Robles, Joyme Cagande, Jennifer Nierva, Elaine Cloza and Ivy Lacsina, who were all elevated from the juniors team.
“I am really blessed to be part of the NU Lady Bulldogs for the upcoming UAAP season,” the Bacolodnon middle blocker said. “I am thankful for their trust and I want to repay that with hardwork and giving my 100 percent in the game.”
Luceño, who played for Bacolod Tay Tung High School and St. John’s Institute before, admitted that it was hard at first for her to be away from her family but she has slowly adjusted.
“Being recruited by NU is a great opportunity for me. It was also an eye opener since I was away from my family but I am slowly getting used to it,” Luceño said. “I am thankful to my teammates here for helping me adjusting.”
“Of course being lined up was not enough since I need to work hard to show coach Norman (Miguel) that he was right in inserting me to the team,” she added. “I am happy to be able to share my talent with the team and to help them in any capacity.”
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Philippine Azkals mainstay Patrick Reichelt is not closing his doors on possible return with Ceres-Negros FC in the future after recently cutting his ties with the football club due to “personal reasons.”
The Filipino-German footballer said that he had a great time in his five years of stay with the Ceres-Negros FC so he is not ruling out a return to the Bacolod-based football team.
“When the time is right and I am ready again I’ll be back with Ceres-Negros. That I’m sure of,” Reichelt said in an official statement publish at the Ceres-Negros’ website on Thursday night.
“In 2014, I came to join this beautiful club with nothing to expect and what I am leaving with is thousands of memorable moments, new friends, a home, and lots of new family. You have given me so much in my life and I will be forever grateful,” he added.
“I also want to thank (Ceres-Negros owner) Mr. Leo Rey Yanson, you became like a big brother to me and for what you have done to this city, for this team and for me, you will always have my dearest respect and gratitude,” he said.
Reichelt has won everything for the Ceres-Negros during his five-year stay, which includes three league titles in the defunct United Football League and the Philippines Football League.
Reichelt, who reportedly is to play overseas after turning down a Ceres-Negros return, was a heavy contributor in the club’s history especially in AFC competitions such as the AFC Presidents Cup, AFC Cup, and the AFC Champions League./PN
