Expectations were modest for University of Santo Tomas entering the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, having lost key players from last season.
However, the Golden Tigresses stormed to an impressive 8-0 start. They then capped the eliminations with a huge 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15 win over De La Salle University on Saturday night for a twice-to-beat edge in the coming Final Four action.
Now, UST is now aiming to go all the way.
From subtle expectations of themselves, the Golden Tigresses are now shooting for the stars, with the path to the Promised Land lying open.
“Proud kasi as a young team, talagang hindi namin inexpect na mapupunta kami sa ganitong sitwasyon,” said third-year captain-libero Detdet Pepito after their huge win over the Lady Spikers.
“Ayun, since nandito na nga, sinasabi ko sa kanila na i-embrace na natin, ipanalo na natin.”
UST secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis in front of 14,939 fans at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Golden Tigresses completed an elimination round head-to-head sweep of the Lady Spikers despite reigning MVP Angel Canino returning after missing five games due to an injured arm.
UST and De La Salle will face off once again in the semis, while National University and Far Eastern University will collide in the other bracket.
Having proven that they can defeat any team in the Final Four, Pepito agreed that this might be the Golden Tigresses’ best chance to end their 13-year title drought.
UST last won the championship in the women’s division back in 2010 with the likes of Rhea Dimaculangan, Angge Tabaquero, and Aiza Maizo leading the charge.
Since then, the closest the Tigresses got to winning it all was during the UAAP Season 81 tournament.
Despite having the duo of Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina, UST was swept by Ateneo in the Finals.
“Yes kasi yun nga, yung component ng team na ito kakaiba eh – puro bata. So kung titingnan natin, medyo less experience pa. Pero alam niyo yun, dito talaga makikita na nagbubunga talaga yung mga pinaghirapan namin sa training,” said Pepito, who had 17 digs and six excellent receptions against the defending champions.
“Yes, masasabi ko po this is the best chance talaga maibalik ang crown.”
However, even with their sights locked on the championship, Pepito knows that the Final Four is a whole different beast.
And because of that, she reminds her team to never let their guard down.
Their two losses came from the Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Tamaraws, both bound for the semis.
“Hindi talaga pwedeng mag-celebrate nang todo-todo. Back to trabaho talaga kami and another challenge na naman ito na siyempre kailangan namin i-embrace,” reminded the defensive specialist.
