Originally expected to miss UAAP Season 87, Maribeth Hilongo found her way into the University of Santo Tomas lineup after unforeseen opportunities emerged.
Hilongo served as the backup libero to Detdet Pepito in Season 86 but transitioned back to the wing spiker position during UST’s preparation for the new season.
With the Golden Tigresses boasting a deep pool of attackers, she was initially set to sit out and be relegated to Team B.
However, disaster struck even before the tournament began. Top open spiker Jonna Perdido and energetic outside hitter Xyza Gula both suffered season-ending injuries, creating an unexpected opening in the lineup.
Hilongo seized the opportunity — and she’s making the most of it.
The 23-year-old all-around spiker provided a spark off the bench in the first round before head coach Kungfu Reyes entrusted her with a starting outside hitter role as the second round kicked off on Sunday.
And she delivered.
Hilongo erupted for a career-high 17 points, tallying 13 spikes, three blocks, and an ace while also contributing 11 digs and nine excellent receptions. However, her standout performance wasn’t enough to prevent UST from falling to Far Eastern University, 22-25, 24-26, 25-17, 24-26.
“Yung pressure, meron pero onti na lang. Talagang ni-ready ko sarili ko para matulungan yung team namin,” said Hilongo, always prepared for the challenge.
“Thank you rin ako sa mga teammates ko lalo na sa loob kasi grabe din talaga yung pressure nung una tapos grabe din nila ako iangat talaga. Thank you din sa coaches na talagang naniniwala sa akin na kaya ko ’to, kaya kong galingan,” she continued.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Hilongo’s journey with UST has been nothing short of a rollercoaster since she arrived from Timoteo Paez Integrated School in Tondo.
Originally an opposite spiker, she was converted into a libero before transitioning again — this time as an outside hitter.
Despite the constant adjustments, she remains committed to embracing every role assigned to her.
“Siyempre sa una mahirap tanggapin pero wala eh, nandoon na dapat. Dapat mo nang yakapin ‘yung role na yun para hindi ka na mahirapan lalo. Tinanggap ko lang talaga siya ng buong puso ko,” she shared.
“Opo, maraming adjustments lalo na open spiker ako ngayon, siyempre hindi talaga ako sanay. Pinukpok ako nang pinukpok ng coaches sa training tapos ayun, disiplina lang din talaga sa sarili para mas mapadali.”
With the Golden Tigresses suffering back-to-back losses and dropping to a 5-3 record — now tied with FEU at third place — Hilongo remains determined to fight not just for herself, but for those who can no longer take the court due to injuries.
“Ngayon kasi, ginagawa ko lang inspirasyon ‘yung mga teammate ko na injured. Gusto ko silang ilaban.”
#WATCH: Coach Kungfu Reyes expresses disappointment over the UST Golden Tigresses’ decision-making in their tough four-set loss to FEU
@justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/ZepHF1IH8w
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 23, 2025
