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UST libero Detdet Pepito during a game against La Salle in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Skipper Detdet Pepito believes this year is the University of Santo Tomas’ best chance to bring back the crown to España in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
One win is what UST needs to return to the biggest stage of the UAAP after five years as it earned the twice-to-beat bonus following a crucial22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15 victory over defending champion La Salle on Saturday before 14,939 ecstatic fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum ahead of their Final Four clash.
Despite losing Eya Laure and Co., the Tigresses finished with a 12-2 record in the elimination round for the first time since Season 72 when they last won the title in 2010.
READ: UST clinches twice-to-beat, after repeating over La Salle
Pepitop, the star libero, said the team’s solid bond brought them this far despite being a young and undersized team.
“Masasabi ko po this is the best chance na talagang mabalik ang crown,” said Pepito, who had 17 digs and six excellent receptions.
“Kasi yung component ng team na ‘to, kakaiba eh. Puro bata so kung titignan natin, parang medyo less experienced pa pero alam niyo yun, dito talaga makikita na nagbubunga talaga yung mga pinaghirapan namin sa team.”
READ: UAAP: Detdet Pepito’s leadership bolsters’ UST’s twice-to-beat bid
UST Tigresses’ Detdet Pepito.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Pepito also urges the Tigresses, bannered by Angge Poyos, Jonna Perdido, and Reg Jurado, to remain focused on their ultimate goal of ending a 13-year title drought.
“[I’m] proud kasi as a young team, talagang hindi namin inexpect na mapupunta kami sa ganitong sitwasyon and since andito na nga, sinasabi ko sakanila na i-embrace na natin, ipanalo na natin, i-enjoy na natin, i-cherish natin yung every moment na magkasama tayo sa court. Happy lang,” she said.
UST is holding a twice-to-beat edge against La Salle for the second time since 2019 when the Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure-led Tigresses reached the Season 81 Finals, ending the Lady Spikers’ ‘four-peat’ dream.
“Back to work talaga kami and another challenge na naman to na syempre, kailangan namin i-embrace and ayon, masaya kasi malaking experience talaga to. Malaking tulong ito sa ganitong team na rebuilding and young team,” the ace libero said.
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