As the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses gear up for the next phase of their journey in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge, Cassie Carballo believes the squad has yet to unleash its full potential.
After a commanding victory in Game 1 against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, Carballo sees the path to a perfect season clearly laid out ahead.
In the opener of the finals series, the Golden Tigresses overcame a sluggish start to deliver a decisive performance, winning 25-22, 25-18, 25-14. This victory brings them closer to achieving an undefeated record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Sobrang happy and excited po ako sa meron ‘yung team, marami pa po kaming pwedeng ipakita pa. Mas kaya naming higitan ‘yung performance namin today. Alam kong hindi pa namin naaabot ‘yung standard ng coaches, hopefully maabot namin ‘yun,” Carballo shared after the match, radiating confidence and excitement for the challenges ahead.
The reigning UAAP Best Setter showcased her exceptional skills in the series opener, delivering 15 excellent sets that ignited UST’s offensive efforts. Beyond her technical abilities, Carballo stepped up as a leader, especially when the team found themselves down by four points in the first set. Her composure and guidance proved pivotal in steering the Golden Tigresses back on course.
“More on pagiging vocal po talaga kasi kailangan po talaga nilang like pitpitin talaga kasi alam namin din na marami pa silang kulang. Hopefully, pagdating ng UAAP, polished na namin lahat ng kailangan i-polish,” Carballo explained, emphasizing her role in helping the younger players adapt and grow.
The current UST lineup is notably younger than the one that reached the UAAP Season 86 Finals, featuring newcomers like Stephanie Arasan, Arlene Waje, Kaizah Huyno, Margaret Altea, Francine Osis, and Sandrine Escober. Carballo, who honed her skills at De La Salle-Zobel, is determined to ensure these rookies gain valuable experience that will be crucial in their redemption campaign for the upcoming UAAP season.
“Sobrang saya po and tini-take lang din namin one day at a time. Sobrang happy din ako para sa rookies kasi ‘yung exposure na binibigay sa kanila alam ko makakatulong talaga in the long run,” said the Negrense playmaker, highlighting her excitement for her teammates' development.
With Carballo and team captain Detdet Pepito at the helm, the Golden Tigresses are not just aiming for a flawless tournament but are also focused on cultivating a winning culture within a younger team. “Siguro isa na rin ‘yun sa reasons kung bakit kailangan naming makuha ‘yung mga tinuturo nila coach kasi nga may mga bata na ngayon, hindi na pwedeng kami pa rin ‘yung tagasunod, kailangan na rin mag-lead din talaga,” she concluded.
