This volleyball off-season has turned the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses into early contenders heading into the UAAP Season.
The UST Tigresses have turned into a team for the future to immediate contenders over the summer, highlighted by impressive outings in the 2016 Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference.
However, the Tomasinas took a step back, surrendering a disheartening loss to the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors last Wednesday.
According to Ej Laure, who still managed to notch 18 points in the defeat, the Tigresses were battling fatigue.
Just last week, UST brought home the 2016 Dumaguete Unigames championship, a title they had not won in three years. The Finals happened last Sunday, right before several members of the team went home for the holiday break.
“Medyo mabigat pa po talaga ‘yung mga galaw namin kasi kakagaling lang ng Unigames then maraming nagbakasyon sa amin. Sa tingin ko naman po, nakalaban pa ‘rin kami but in the end talagang kinulang kami sa energy,” admitted the incoming junior.
The Tigresses have been impressive, knocking off import-powered opponents with their All-Filipino talent. Laure has been at the forefront, averaging nearly six points per set in the season.
The former UAAP Juniors MVP admitted to having more confidence now, especially with most of the Tigresses having had several club stints and with a Unigames title under her belt.
“Mas confident na kasi matagal na ‘din nakakapaglaro and siguro motivated lang talaga kami na mag-improve pa lalo as a team para sa UAAP.”
For now, the Tigresses have their eyes on the SVL title. They face Pocari Sweat in a best-of-three semifinals which begins on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Nakita na namin ‘yung mga pagkukulang namin kaya ang importante ngayon is mapaghandaan namin sa training and mabago namin ‘yung mindset namin sa semis,” Laure declared.
