In return to UAAP, Ateneo’s Dela Rosa puts friendship with Asiad teammates on pause

MANILA – Just last month in Nagoya, Kacey Dela Rosa shared the court with Amyah Espanol, Victoria Pasilang and Kennan Ka in 3×3 women’s basketball at the Asian Games. 

The quartet made history after clinching silver at the continental showcase, the first Asiad medal of the country in the sport.  

But upon their return from Japan, they are once again rivals in the collegiate ranks. 

Dela Rosa and the Ateneo Blue Eagles will take on Espanol and Pasilang with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in their next assignment. 

After sharing a bond and winning a medal together, Dela Rosa said she will have to put their friendship on pause once they face each other again on the court. 

“Of course, super happy na maka-play sila sa court as a kalaban. Pero I think iaalis ko muna yung power of friendship namin,” she said Wednesday after leading Ateneo past archrival La Salle, 79-66, for their first win of UAAP Season 89.

“Kalaban muna [kami] parang magkakagalit,” Dela Rosa added. 

Dela Rosa scored 26 points and 13 rebounds to lift the Blue Eagles over the Lady Archers. 

With FEU riding on their momentum and their undefeated streak, the Blue Eagles will focus on their game after getting their first win. 

“Talagang dumikit lang kami sa plan ni coach PJ this time. I mean, every game naman. So medyo, I think we improved in our defense inside so that’s why we got the win,” she said. 

“I think same na stick to our plan, listen to Coach Peej anong yung gagawin namin inside the court,” Dela Rosa added.