UST's 'hugot' answers call in roller-coaster UAAP campaign
At A Glance
- Searching for additional firepower, University of Santo Tomas found answers in middle blocker Avril Bron and seasoned libero Detdet Pepito as the Golden Tigresses wrapped up its roller-coaster first round with a 25–17, 25–18, 25–20 win over the FEU Lady Tamaraws Saturday, March 14.
Searching for additional firepower, University of Santo Tomas found answers in middle blocker Avril Bron and seasoned libero Detdet Pepito as the Golden Tigresses wrapped up its roller-coaster first round with a 25–17, 25–18, 25–20 win over the FEU Lady Tamaraws Saturday, March 14.
As expected, Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado paced UST’s offense, but it was Bron and Pepito who fueled their victory to give the UAAP Season 88 host school much momentum as the women's volleyball tournament takes a short break before the second round.
“Siyempre malaking help din ‘yong family ko lagi sa tabi ko, kasi isa sila sa mga pinaghuhugutan ko talaga, pati na rin ‘yong mga ate and coaches,” said former UST juniors star Bron after posting her third 10-point game.
“Tyaka na-share ko lang sa team kanina na laliman ‘yong pag-huhugutan sa game para mas grabe ‘yong motivation namin,” she added.
Bron became one of the key contributors for the España-based squad, backing up their main arsenals in Poyos and Jurado to finally go above .500 this edition as they improved to 4-3 for a share of third spot with FEU.
They also broke the three-way tie with Adamson (3-3) and University of the Philippines (3-3) which are currently their closest pursuers for the coveted top four seats.
Veteran Pepito, who logged 11 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, shared the same sentiment.
“Katulad ng sinabi ko kanina no’ng nag-chapel kami, sabi rin ni Bron, na kailangan may purpose tayo, kasi nga po pag wala ‘yong rason ba’t ka naglalaro, masyadong mababaw na parang makaramdam ng ‘di okay na sitwasyon, madali kang bibigay,” said Pepito.
“So, pag talagang malalim ‘yong rason mo ba’t ka naglalaro, ‘di talaga basta-basta bibigay ‘yong katawan at pag-iisip,” she added.
With the ongoing work in UST’s system under the stewardship of returning head coach Shaq Delos Santos, the Tigresses look to double their effort of climbing up in the rankings to secure another semifinals spot.
More than a decade has passed since the school captured its last crown in Season 72 (2010), with Delos Santos at the helm and Rhea Dimaculangan leading the charge.
“Talagang every must win, kasi sa second round, lahat ‘yan scouted na… pagiigihan lang namin kung ano ‘yong kaya namin at mas pwede pa naming gawin,” said UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez.