University of Santo Tomas’ comeback in its opening game of UAAP Season 88 fell short, as back-to-back champion National University defeated them in four sets, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24.
Despite the heartbreak in front of 15,215 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Golden Tigresses captain Detdet Pepito saw promising moments from their rookies.
UST High School product Avril Bron contributed 10 points on six attacks, three blocks, and one ace. Meanwhile, Julia Balingit made an impact off the bench with 10 points, proving capable of substituting for Regina Jurado in the opposite position.
Balingit, a recruit from Japan, entered as part of a double-substitution pattern alongside sophomore setter Arlene Waje. Together, they led the Golden Tigresses’ charge in the third-set win and the fourth-frame fight, before ultimately succumbing to NU.
“Excited talaga kami sa mga rookies namin and nakakatuwa kasi kanina nag-perform sila,” said Pepito, who left the game mid-third set due to cramps but returned late in the fourth.
“Yung sinabi lang naman namin sa kanila kagabi, mag-enjoy sila kasi nga hindi talaga lahat nakaka-experience ng ganito sa UAAP.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The rookies’ bright debuts weren’t limited to UST.
On the other side of the net, NU’s Sam Cantada delivered a game-high 21 points on 17 attacks, three aces, and one block. Meanwhile, Shan Nunag, the rookie setter for De La Salle University, led her squad to a straight-sets win over Far Eastern University.
“Actually, hindi lang po sa UST makikita ‘yung level ng mga rookies na pumapasok sa UAAP. Nakakatuwa and nakaka-proud,” said the UST defensive specialist.
Still, despite the silver linings, the loss was disappointing for the Golden Tigresses.
Top scorer Angge Poyos, who tallied 18 points, said they will learn from this defeat, particularly in terms of maturity. UST had squandered a 23-19 lead in the fourth set — just two points away from forcing a deciding set.
“Personally, sayang. Sayang ‘yung game kasi andun na kami sana, ‘yun nga kinapos. Siguro ‘yun nga ‘yung sinasabi nila coach, ‘yung maturity and decision making sa court lalo kapag crucial point, crucial match,” said Poyos.
“Need lang namin gawin bumalik ulit sa training and pag-aralan ulit and improve kung ano kailangan i-improve.”
#WATCH: SAYANG YUNG GAME NAMIN 🐯
Shaq Delos Santos focused on the silver linings despite UST’s loss to NU in the #UAAPSeason88 opener 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/jDfr9jq4Wk
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— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 15, 2026
