Shorthanded UST gearing up for Final Four battle

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Apr 24, 2025 05:31 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “Well, ‘yong pinanghahawakan ko po talaga ‘yong core ng team, kasi ‘yon nga may mga nawala, pero sinasabi pa rin nila coach (KungfuReyes) andyan pa rin ‘yong core,” said Pepito, who was fresh off her thesis defense as an elementary education student. 

Playing without two of its key players to start the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, University of Santo Tomas needed to fill the void and keep the fight going toward its goal of reaching the Final Four.

It was all about strong will according to team skipper Detdet Pepito.

UST skipper Detdet Pepito knows sheer will and trust are the key in team's success. (UAAP Media)

“Well, ‘yong pinanghahawakan ko po talaga ‘yong core ng team, kasi ‘yon nga may mga nawala, pero sinasabi pa rin nila coach (Kungfu Reyes) andyan pa rin ‘yong core,” said Pepito, who was fresh off her thesis defense as an elementary education student.

Despite a long break, the Tigresses did not show any signs of rust, dealing the University of the Philippines a 25-20, 25-21, 25-18 beating that ended the Fighting Maroons' semis hopes last Wednesday, April 23, at Mall of Asia Arena. 

They did capture the Final Four ticket with a 9-4 win-loss record. Even more impressive was the fact that they missed out the services of stars Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula who both suffered injuries before the start of the season.

In these trying times, trust was very important for the Espana-based squad.

“Andyan [si Cassie Carballo], sila Reg (Jurado) ‘yong last season [naming] first six, nandun pa rin… hindi pa rin kami talo sa tao, talagang patibayan ng loob at tsaka [kailangan talaga] ‘yong trust mo, sa mga coaches, teammates,” she added.

Leading UST's charge were Angge Poyos (19) and Jurado (13), while Em Banagua also starred with eight blocks to finish with 12 points. Carballo displayed her playmaking prowess off her 21 excellent sets.

“Gusto palang namin makapasok sa Final Four… ‘yong unang goal talaga namin is manalo every game and siyempre ‘yong second goal makapasok sa Final Four,” continued Pepito, who shone with 23 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions. 

“Malaking pressure samin na naging silver kami last season kaya ‘di kami pwedeng magpabaya,” she added. ”Kaya no’ng Holy Week ni-mindset namin na ‘di kami pwedeng magpatalo basta-basta.”

UST goes for its final elimination game against last year’s finals tormentor and defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs this Sunday, April 27.