UAAP Finals: Arah Panique seizes her moment off the bench for NU
Arah Panique (middle) and the NU Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals Game 1 vs La Salle Lady Spikers. –UAAP PHOTO
LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball Finals Game 1 – May 11, 2025
MANILA, Philippines — Arah Panique made a huge impact despite seeing limited ction, providing National University a much-needed spark in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals Game 1.
With Solomon being limited to nine points, Panique scored five points as a substitute in the second and third sets as NU inched a win closer to a successful title defense with a 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 win over La Salle on Sunday in front of 15,192 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“My mindset was just to give what I needed to give and really push hard because it’s already the finals, and we need to focus on our goal,” said Panique, who scored most of her points in the second set to help NU take a two-set lead.
READ: UAAP Finals: NU a win away from title repeat, beats La Salle
“I’m just trying to live up to the trust they’ve given me. I told myself that if I get subbed in, I’ll just give whatever I can and do my best,” she added.
Solomon was been NU’s leading scorer in the past three finals series, averaging 23.17 points in six games.
Panique’s off-the-bench production, though, helped NU stay afloat until the starting opposite spiker delivered big blows in the fourth set to close out the Game 1 win.
Arah Panique embraces her role with the talent-rich NU Lady Bulldogs. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/A25VH9L9nr
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025
“Ate Aly always tells me that when it comes to blocking, just put your hands in and focus on hand placement and having the courage,” she said.
The Alas Pilipinas member remained patient and embraced her role as a substitute in NU’s deep wing spiker rotation.
READ: Arah Panique shows her worth for Alas Pilipinas despite loss
“Whatever role is given to me, I just own it and do whatever I can,” Panique said. “It’s also because of my teammates that I feel motivated—the older players set an example, and it pushes me to do my part and give my best.”
Panique and the Lady Bulldogs try to close out the series against La Salle on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Naga College Foundation product is also bracing for a bigger role next year with Solomon and Bella Belen graduating after this season.
“Whatever the older players teach us, we’ll apply it next year—especially the skills they have that we know we can also develop,” Panique said.
