University of Santo Tomas opened its campaign in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge with impressive victories over Lyceum, University of the East, and Far Eastern University.
However, the Golden Tigresses were put to the ultimate test in a grueling five-set match against the reigning NCAA and V-League champions, the College of St. Benilde.
Down two sets to one, UST staged a remarkable comeback to secure a hard-fought win, with set scores of 25-16, 19-25, 14-25, 25-22, 15-12. This victory allowed the Golden Tigresses to remain unbeaten in the seven-team league organized by Sports Vision.
Although the team hoped to end the match in a sweep or at least in four sets, head coach Kungfu Reyes believes that these tough games are valuable for preparing their rookie core for the upcoming UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
“Maganda ito. Ito yung mga moment[s] na hindi namin maituturo sa kanila; yung crowd, yung live audience, spotlight, cameras, referees,” Reyes said.
“Sometimes yung controllable, nawawala para sa amin. Those things ang tinuturo namin, at the same time, ng mga ganitong game sa kanila: I-control ang kaya i-control,” he added.
(C) V-League Images
In the fourth and fifth sets, UST’s seasoned players – Angge Poyos, Regina Jurado, Detdet Pepito, Pia Abbu, and Jonna Perdido – played pivotal roles in the comeback win over the Lady Blazers.
Reyes is optimistic that UST’s rookie core, including Marga Altera, Blessing Unekwe, Francine Osis, and Sandrine Escober, will develop the composure and chemistry needed to emulate the success of their experienced teammates.
“Huhubugin sila ng panahon, both the mainstays and rookies… Talagang itong mga experience na ganito ay magiging, hopefully, tougher sila all the time for those experiences na nangyari para sa kanila.”
