Just two weeks ago, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses were in the midst of a five-game slide that had completely drained them of their zeal.
But, after just a few games, UST’s mood has completely shifted.
Scoring a win over the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons last Saturday, the Golden Tigresses followed with their biggest triumph this season, outclassing the National University Lady Bulldogs in four sets.
From being completely dumbfounded, UST head coach Kungfu Reyes couldn’t help but beam with pride after his team had taken down the once league-leaders.
“Sa standing naman, siyempre andiyan lang naman yun pero kun’di namin gagalawan, ‘di kami makakarating,” expressed the third-year UST mentor. “Nakuha namin ang respeto namin sa sarili namin. Yung mga bata ang naka-taya diyan. This time medyo nagiging mas maganda ang resulta ng pinaghihirapan namin.
“Hindi na namin mababalik kung ano yung nakaraan, so ang remaining three games para sa amin, tatrabahuhin namin. Ang hinihintay namin ay mabalik namin ang respeto nila sa sarili nila, na alam nila you are capable.”
With a 4-7 record, the Golden Tigresses have an outside chance of making the Final Four, though they no longer have their fate in hand.
Regardless of how they end the season, UST are thankful to have regained their identity.
“Kasi may… belief ako na everything happens for a reason,” declared UST ace Cherry Rondina, who tallied 25 points against NU.
“Ito siguro yung tiyaga namin, yung ina-antay namin. Medyo kaunting sad lang kasi ngayon lang dumating na ganito pero overall masaya kami dahil may natutunan kami sa mga past natalo namin.”
