The last time University of Santo Tomas lifted the UAAP women’s volleyball championship, a legendary left-handed spiker was one of the team’s leaders.
Back in Season 72 (2010), Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, along with many protagonists, led the Golden Tigresses to the finish line. They defeated De La Salle University in two games to annex UST’s 16th championship – and its last to date.
On Sunday evening, in front of 19,505 fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena, UST marched back to the Finals after surviving De La Salle in five sets, 25-20, 16-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-7.
Throughout Season 86, many heroes rose to the challenge for the Golden Tigresses.
There is super rookie Angge Poyos.
(C) Mia Montayre/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
There is captain-libero Detdet Pepito.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
There is the middle blockers quartet that can be relied on during trying times.
There are the super subs.
And there are left-handed spikers Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado.
Perdido delivered 18 points on 16 attacks and two blocks along with 12 excellent receptions against La Salle, backing up Poyos’ 28-point performance.
Jurado registered seven points and nine digs, but it was her strong and steady serving during the fifth set that allowed the Tigresses to pull away for the win and secure the Finals ticket.
For them, it would mean the world to follow in the footsteps of a UST legend in Pontillas, who has supported them throughout the season and watched live during her free time.
Pontillas took an iconic photo with both Jurado and Perdido last February 21.
“Siyempre isa nga po si Nang Aiza yung nilu-look up namin since marami nga siyang nadalang championship sa UST. So sana nga mangyari na ma-help namin yung legacy niya na as lefties nga, may mapatunayan din kami,” said Jurado, also an opposite spiker like Pontillas.
During her UST days, Pontillas helped bring two UAAP championships to España in Seasons 69 and 72. She also clinched five titles in the Shakey’s V-League, now known as the Premier Volleyball League.
For Perdido, as long as they work the hardest in the Finals, the chances of bringing the crown to UST are high. And she knows full well that the sea of yellow will be there to back them up.
The Golden Tigresses will face the winner of the rubber match between top-ranked National University and fourth-seed Far Eastern University. They split their elimination round matches against both teams.
“Very happy po kasi may feeling na akong maibalik namin yung korona sa España kapag naging hardworking lang po kami sa lahat ng training and sa game po,” said the left-handed outside spiker.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
