University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes did not mince words when asked about their Season 80 campaign.
It was UST’s worst finish in the Final Four-era, as they settled for seventh place with a 4-10 record.
Now part of infamy, Reyes concedes that he and his players just have to accept the humbling reality.
“I think ito ‘yung lowest outcome ng school. Ganoon talaga. That’s the reality, kailangan namin tanggapin.
“Huwag na pansinin ng players ‘yung pambabatikos ng ibang tao. Kaming coaches na ang bahala doon. Ang isipin nila ‘yung pakikitungo nila sa isa’t isa,” Reyes told Tiebreaker Times after their loss to the Adamson University Lady Falcons.
“No excuses talaga. Lahat ng blame, kaming coaches talaga ang aako, maprotektahan lang namin ang mga player.
“May mga kulang na dapat ayusin. Sabi naman ng mga coaches na susuportahan namin silang lahat. Madaming struggles, madaming unfortunate incidents para sa team na ‘to. Still, thankful kami. Lalabas kami ng Ateneo na buo pa din ‘yung team namin,” the listed Army official pointed out.
Reyes, for his part, already has his eyes on building next season’s squad. With blue-chippers Eya Laure and Maji Mangulabnan headlining a promising recruitment class, Reyes emphasized that UST will undergo a total revamp.
Starting now, all the slots on the women’s volleyball team are up for grabs.
“Talagang makikipagpatayan next year — makikipagpatayan para sa mga slot sa team.
“Kasi they all got the skills. Kumbaga, you have to defend your territory if you want to stay on the team. Total revamp itong mangyayare para ma-entertain namin ‘yung mga freshman namin,” Reyes said.
“Magkaka-tryout for everyone for their respective positions. ‘Yung mga hinihintay naming homegrown talent namin from high school, nagsipag-graduate na. Mas maganda ang competition namin sa loob pa lang ng UST,” he beamed.
As of press time, Reyes is sure Eya and older sister Ej will be available for next season. He adds that he has not spoken with Ria Meneses on possibly using her final playing year.
“No communication with Ria at this moment. ‘Yung mga lumalabas, bunga na lang ‘yung frustrations ng mga fans.”
