Reg Jurado joins Cassie Carballo to a UST 'Swan Song'. (UAAP Media)
Reg Jurado plays one more time in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament as she committed to stay for her fifth and final year, joining Cassie Carballo for a "Swan Song" with University of Santo Tomas in Season 89.
The development was confirmed by the school's Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director and current season chairman Fr. Rodel Cansancio to Manila Bulletin / Tempo Thursday, May 7.
"I can confirm that Reg will be staying for one more year," Cansancio said via Messenger. "We're grateful for her decision, her leadership is a big win for UST and the team."
Jurado, one of UST's top scorers, will banner the Golden Tigresses next edition alongside setter Carballo and fellow spiker Angge Poyos with Avril Bron leading the young guns.
Carballo, on the other hand, had disclosed her plans to exhaust her last playing year moments after their stepladder semifinal loss to reigning champion National University last week.
Meanwhile, Xyza Gula and Jonna Perdido, both key weapons in the Tigresses' recent run, opted to follow UST mainstay Detdet Pepito as they jump to the professional ranks.
"Xyza, Jonna, and Detdet are moving pro," added Cansancio.
All of them, aside from Bron, were part of the UST team that reached the finale in Season 86, where it ultimately bowed to the Bella Belen-skippered Lady Bulldogs.
Before wrapping up their campaign, the Tigresses, with Shaq Delos Santos returning as their head coach, went on a roller-coaster stint during the elimination.
UST found ways to rediscover its fine form to enter the next stage where it bested Far Eastern University in a playoff for the No. 4 spot.
The España-based squad then pulled off a stunning three-set triumph over the Shai Nitura-led Adamson Lady Falcons -- the very same squad that dealt them two straight-set defeats this year -- in the stepladder opener.