NU coach Aris Dimaunahan during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night. –HANDOUT PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Monday night was supposed to be a moment of celebration for NU Lady Bulldogs coach Aris Dimaunahan, but it turned into one of both joy and grief.

Dimaunahan was named UAAP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year by the Collegiate Press Corps—an honor he will remember for a long time. But the veteran coach accepted the award with a heavy heart.

READ: Ashlyn Abong, Gilas Girls and NU standout, dies at 18

Just days before the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night, Ashlyn Abong, a member of the National University community, passed away at the young age of 18.

Ashlyn Abong, Gilas Pilipinas Youth member and NU Lady Bullpups standout.–Photo from Gilas Pilipinas

“She brought a lot of light, joy, tenacity, intensity in whatever she did on the court. She represented our school very, very well,” said an emotional Dimaunahan at Discovery Suites in Pasig.

“We are grieving. We are grieving differently. Some of our players decided to be left behind here as the rest of the team is continuing with our planned international trip in Taiwan.”

Abong was a member of the Lady Bullpups, who were also mentored by Dimaunahan. On Friday during a team practice on campus, Abong collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. She died of a heart attack.

In a speech where he should have been the center of attention, Dimaunahan instead paid tribute to his fallen player, who also suited up for the Gilas Girls.

“We’re grieving and we are bringing Ashlyn Abong’s love for the game every time we play moving forward.”