University of Santo Tomas celebrated a sweet victory last Sunday against De La Salle University with a 25-19, 14-25, 25-18, 25-12 win.
However, the match was more than just another victory for 5-foot-5 setter Cassie Carballo, who formerly played for DLSU Zobel.
Carballo expressed her delight in facing her former teammates and giving UST a good game, despite being on different teams.
“I’m so happy lang po, and proud of them at the same time kasi, although kahit di na ako sa La Salle. Happy pa rin ako na nakapag-contribute ako kung san ako ngayon,” she said. Carballo also shared her pride in her former teammates who performed well in the game.
Carballo, who was part of the Junior Lady Spikers back in 2018, ended the reign of National University in the high school girls division in UAAP Season 81. Along with her time in La Salle Zobel was her former teammate Angel Canino, whom she faced in the recent game.
Carballo said she felt sentimental facing Canino, but she is glad that they have both reached the collegiate league.
“Opo talaga,” answered the playmaker out from Negros Occidentals if she felt nostalgic facing Canino.
“Pero ‘yun nga po as I’ve said, I’m super happy and proud ako for the both of us kahit magkalaban na kami ngayon.”
UST’s loss against La Salle in the opening of the first round last February 25 was a five-set thriller with a score of 20-25, 25-16, 8-25, 25-15, 14-16. Carballo revealed that her limited playing time in the first round was the reason why she stepped up her game to get a comeback against La Salle so badly.
“And gustong gusto ko talaga sila bawian, and tulungan ‘yung mga ate’s ko para manalo,” she said.
With UST now in the solo third spot with a 7-3 win-loss slate, Carballo bared they can still manage along the way but will work hard during the Holy Week break to fix and improve their gameplay, especially on April 15, where they will face Ateneo de Manila University.
