University of Santo Tomas continued to lead the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament with a pristine 8-0 record.
But do not be misled, this Golden Tigresses squad is still rebuilding and developing after key departures from last season.
They lost four of their starters from Season 85 in Imee Hernandez, Milena Alessandrini, KC Galdones, and Eya Laure, passing the throne to young Bernadett Pepito as the UST captain this year.
Six in the 14-woman lineup of the Tigresses this year are rookies led by Angge Poyos along with Margaret Banagua, Bianca Plaza, Mae Coronado, Kaka Caasi, and Maribeth Hilongo.
Setter Cassie Carballo and hitters Regina Jurado and Xyza Gula are only in their sophomore year, while Pia Abbu, Pierre Abellana, Renren Peñafiel, Jonna Perdido, and Pepito are in their junior year.
That’s why after UST’s 25-15, 27-25, 23-25, 26-28, 15-13 escape against 2-6 Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, head coach Kungfu Reyes emphasized that this will only hasten the growth and maturity of his team.
“Another great experience para dito sa young guns namin. At least, real time na-experience nila yun hindi namin maituro sa ensayo ito eh, di ba? Yung mga pressure games at least na-experience nila first hand,” said Reyes after the two-hour, 49-minute marathon match.
This five-setter game, one that was unexpected by most due to the difference in their team standings, will help the Golden Tigresses moving forward, especially in executing during pressure-packed moments.
UST wasted a two-to-nothing set lead but delivered when it mattered most, going to Perdido to close the game on back-to-back sharp kills.
“Kasama na dito yung mental toughness. Nadedevelop sa amin every game. Iba iba ng kwento every game though iisa ang resulta. So doon sa mga kwento na yun marami kaming learning na nakukuha,” said the long-time UST mentor.
Aside from Ateneo, De La Salle University and Far Eastern University have also dragged UST to five sets.
Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses needed four sets to defeat Adamson University and University of the East.
“Aside sa win na nakuha namin, mas marami pa kaming nage-gain aside sa win. Nagpapatong patong yung learning namin,” said Reyes.
