Detdet Pepito and Jonna Perdido didn’t need a full week to decide on the next chapter of their volleyball journey — they’re staying right where their hearts and passion belong: with the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses.
With both players set to graduate in the coming months, Pepito and Perdido have opted to use their final year of eligibility and suit up once more for UST in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament next year.
Pepito, a two-time UAAP Best Libero, was instrumental in UST’s bronze-medal finish in Season 87. She ranked second in the league in digs with 4.25 per set and placed fourth in reception efficiency at 42.74 percent.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Currently completing her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, Pepito’s decision to return comes at a crucial time for a UST squad determined to redeem itself after falling to the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the Final Four on May 3.
The 22-year-old libero will pursue a master’s degree to make full use of her fifth and final playing year. She will once again anchor the Tigresses’ defense, alongside key holdovers Cassie Carballo, Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, Marga Altea, and Kyla Cordora.
“Forever grateful,” Pepito wrote in a Facebook post.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Joining her for one last campaign is Jonna Perdido, a dynamic outside hitter who was sidelined for the entire Season 87 due to a complete ACL tear sustained during UST’s bronze-medal match against Far Eastern University in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship.
The 5-foot-7 spiker from Davao is set to return in Season 88 and is expected to provide immediate offensive firepower to a UST lineup already stacked with talents like Poyos, Jurado, Cordora, and Xyza Gula.
“We’re overjoyed by their decision and deeply grateful they’ve chosen to stay with us despite being eligible to turn pro,” said IPEA director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP. “What’s most important to UST is that they’ve completed their studies. We prioritize their academic achievement and appreciate their commitment to our program.
“We’re thrilled that these two have extended their stay with us.”
With Pepito and Perdido back in the fold, the Golden Tigresses are poised to make another serious push for the title.
