Just like defending champion National University, University of Santo Tomas is no stranger to developing talents from its girls’ volleyball program, ensuring a seamless transition to the collegiate ranks with the Golden Tigresses.
When discussing UST’s homegrown talents, the first names that come to mind are Regina Jurado, Angge Poyos, Detdet Pepito, and even rookie hitter Marga Altea.
Jurado, Poyos, and Pepito played pivotal roles in UST’s silver-medal finish in Season 86.
Poyos emerged as the Rookie of the Year and 2nd Best Outside Spiker, while Pepito secured her second consecutive Best Libero award. Jurado also enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign.
Yet, amid these standout names, the steady presence and contributions of fourth-year middle blocker Pia Abbu often go unnoticed.
Through five games in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Abbu has steadily risen as a key figure in UST’s redemption quest.
That was on full display Sunday night when the UST High School product delivered a career-best performance, leading the Golden Tigresses to a commanding 25-20, 25-23, 25-21 victory over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Abbu tallied a career-high 13 points, powered by eight attacks and a team-best five blocks. She helped UST secure its fifth straight win and maintain solo second place in the eight-team standings with a 5-1 record.
“All thanks sa coaches namin na grabe ‘yung tiyaga sa amin sa training and tinututukan kami individually and per department sa skills. Sa kanila talaga ang puri sa performance namin ngayon,” said the Cagayan de Oro native, who was the UAAP Season 82 2nd Best Middle Blocker.
With Em Banagua still recovering from injury and Nigerian middle blocker Blessing Unekwe adjusting to the collegiate level, Abbu has taken on greater responsibility — both offensively and as a leader — as UST continues its pursuit of ending a 15-year title drought.
Through five games, the 5-foot-10 middle blocker has displayed poise and readiness in her expanded role. She currently ranks among the league’s top 20 scorers with 49 points, built on 34 attacks, 12 blocks, and three aces.
Abbu also stands as the seventh-best middle blocker with a total of 12 kill blocks and an average of 0.50 blocks per set.
“Ayun nga po, gusto ko lang po talaga maka-contribute sa team sa lahat ng aspect naman po. Siyempre, senior din po, kahit sa labas ng court ma-lead ko yung teammates ko or even inside. So yun lang po talaga yung mindset — makatulong sa kahit anong department, sa serve, sa block, kung saan man magkulang,” Abbu explained.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After enduring a grueling three-game schedule over the past nine days, Abbu remains focused despite a one-week break. A Finals rematch against the Lady Bulldogs looms large to close out UST’s first-round campaign on Sunday, March 16, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Abbu will be heavily tested against NU’s deep middle blocker rotation, featuring Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring, Alexa Mata, Chammy Maaya, and Nigerian standout Aishat Bello.
“Privilege na one week yung pahinga namin, so more time to prepare po. Mas malaking bagay po yun para maayos yung galaw namin as a team in preparation po sa NU na game,” she concluded.
