After a runner-up finish in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, many doubted University of Santo Tomas’ chances in Season 87, especially after losing key hitters Xyza Gula and Jonna Perdido to season-ending injuries.
Their absence was particularly felt during the Golden Tigresses’ opening-day defeat to the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on February 15, where UST sorely missed the additional offensive firepower as Angge Poyos (11 points) and Reg Jurado (10 points) struggled throughout the match.
However, UST has since rediscovered its winning form despite a depleted lineup.
The core of Poyos, Jurado, Cassie Carballo, and Detdet Pepito, along with the emergence of rookie hitter Marga Altea, has led the Golden Tigresses to five consecutive victories over University of the East, De La Salle University, Adamson University, University of the Philippines, and Ateneo de Manila University.
Though their five-game winning streak ended at the hands of their Season 86 Finals tormentor, the National University Lady Bulldogs, Pepito remained optimistic. She emphasized that UST’s impressive 5-2 record with an undermanned roster was a crucial confidence boost heading into the second round.
Adding to UST’s momentum was their resilient stand against NU, pushing the defending champions to only their second five-set match of the season before eventually bowing in a thrilling 25-23, 17-25, 25-19, 18-25, 9-15 loss to close the first round.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Itong round na ito talaga ito yung nagbigay ng kumpyansa sa team namin na kaya pala talaga namin kahit maraming key players yung nawala,” said the two-time UAAP Best Libero.
“Unexpected na ganito magiging record namin kahit na medyo pangit yung pinakita namin nung first games, medyo naging okay na nitong past few games. Naging maganda naman at naging sukatan yung first round kung hanggang saan ang kakayahan namin,” she added.
Despite finishing the first round tied with La Salle at 5-2 for joint second, Pepito stressed the importance of staying grounded to maintain their momentum in the second round.
More than anything, Pepito underscored the need for UST to double their efforts against a tough eight-team field featuring powerhouses like NU, La Salle, and FEU.
This sense of urgency is heightened by UST’s demanding schedule. After a grueling two-hour, 20-minute five-set battle against NU on Sunday, the Golden Tigresses will face the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, followed by an immediate Finals rematch with the Lady Bulldogs on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Kailangan lang talaga pagtrabahuan kasi yung kalaban namin, nagtatrabaho. So kami, kailangan pa namin mas magdoble [ng] effort kasi yung kalaban namin halos kumpleto ‘eh. Sa amin, dami nawala at dami pa need i-polish pero yung result ng game, nag-fifth set pa kami sa reigning champion,” she stressed.
“Trabaho lang talaga tsaka yung eagerness manalo kailangan.”
