By: Christian David Ruiz
Just a year ago, University of Santo Tomas emerged as underdogs in the competitive scene after the departure of their senior spikers, Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez.
With little to no expectations from the community, the Golden Tigresses surprised everyone by flourishing in UAAP Season 86 and clinching the silver medal.
From being dark horses in the previous UAAP season, the Golden Tigresses have now transformed into serious title contenders across every collegiate league they enter.
Despite exceeding expectations, their loss in the UAAP women’s volleyball championship was particularly disheartening for the Tigresses, especially for their libero Detdet Pepito, who inherited the team captaincy from Laure.
As the preseason approaches, Pepito is determined to alter their fate after a challenging UAAP season and aims to secure the crown in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge.
“Siguro sa championship kung makaabot man kami, syempre yung makuha na yung champion kasi yun nga nung UAAP di namin nakuha. So hopefully dito po makuha na,” said the two-time UAAP women’s volleyball Best Libero.
Despite the boost from their newly acquired talents throughout the eliminations, Pepito emphasized the need for improved team chemistry, particularly with the integration of rookies.
“Simula nung dumating sila syempre may improvement naman pero yung sa sistema yung pag-adopt ng sistema kailangan pa talagang yakapin, kailangan nilang yakapin yung sistema na meron kami, kasi so far kulang pa talaga and kailangan pa talaga trabahuhin,” the 21-year-old libero from Quezon City said.
Even with lapses in team cohesion, the Tigresses maintained an unblemished record, finishing the eliminations at the top of the standings.
In the semifinal round, they will face the veteran team of College of Saint Benilde, the reigning champions of the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge.
Despite their flawless run in the preliminaries, Pepito remained humble and pledged to respect the Lady Blazers as they enter the playoffs.
“Siguro yung laro po namin ng elimination sa kanila talagang challenging and hindi naman po talaga namin sila tinetake as easy kalaban kasi nga syempre may experience, may championship experience sila,” said the 5-foot-2 defensive specialist.
“Happy kami kasi syempre karamihan sa amin rookies this liga, so happy kami and alam kong excited yung mga bata na mas maraming matutuhan sa ganong team na well experienced,” Pepito added.
The Golden Tigresses and Lady Blazers will clash on September 18 at 3 p.m. at the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City for a spot in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge finals.
