For the first time since UAAP Season 69, University of Santo Tomas has swept the first round of the women’s volleyball tournament.
The Golden Tigresses did the Season 86 first-round feat by outlasting Adamson University in four sets, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15, 28-26, on late Saturday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
But even after a rare achievement, UST was in unison in saying that this has proved nothing – and that there’s more to the tilt than this round.
“Sinabi namin last time na sinimulan namin ng maganda yung first round, grateful kasi natapos namin ng maganda,” said super rookie Angge Poyos.
In the game, she unleashed a triple-double of 18 points, 10 digs, and 10 receptions against the Lady Falcons.
“I know na marami pa ring tatrabahuhin and marami kaming ia-adjust sa mga susunod pa na mga games. And talagang bawal po mag-relax kasi may second round pa,” continued the UST High product.
Cassie Carballo – the setter who has been ensuring that the Golden Tigresses remain unpredictable – echoed the sentiments of their prized newbie.
UST lost key players last year as Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, and KC Galdones all moved to the professional ranks.
Meanwhile, Milena Alessandrini had also already exhausted her playing years.
With the leaders gone, the Golden Tigresses are “rebuilding” but their record seems to say otherwise.
They stand alone as the only remaining undefeated team, getting big wins – including against De La Salle University and National University, the two finalists last year.
Aside from Poyos, Carballo was able to activate lefty hitters Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado, middle blocker Em Banagua, and super subs Xyza Gula and Mae Coronado.
“Super grateful po ako na umabot kami sa 7-0. Although wala talaga kaming expectation ngayong season, tinitake lang talaga namin one game at a time,” said Carballo, who tossed 22 excellent sets to go with five points.
She added, “And gusto lang namin umuwi ng walang regrets kaya nagpe-perform pa rin kami, and tinatry namin yung best namin kasi kapag magpabaya kami, pwedeng mawala sa amin yun anytime.”
After a spectacular first round, the Golden Tigresses are well aware that they now have a huge target on their backs entering the second round where teams are hungry for payback.
And with that, team captain Detdet Pepito called for a triple effort from her teammates to protect their spotless record.
“Marami pang kulang, marami pa kaming kailangan i-improve. Hindi kami pwedeng maging complacent, lalo na sa standing namin ngayon kasi alam naming mas maraming teams yung mas gigil na makabawi sa amin,” said Pepito.
“So kailangan mas doble or triple effort pa yung gagawin namin sa training para mas maging maganda yung resulta sa laro.”
