The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses have transformed their narrative from underdogs to formidable contenders.
Just a year ago, the team was reeling from the departure of star veterans Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez, leaving them with little fanfare and even less expectation heading into UAAP Season 86.
Despite the low expectations, the Golden Tigresses defied the odds with a stunning performance, clinching the silver medal in the tournament and showcasing their resilience and potential.
Their ascent from being dark horses to becoming a force in collegiate volleyball has been nothing short of extraordinary.
But the road has not been without its heartaches.
The Golden Tigresses’ championship loss in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly for their libero, Detdet Pepito. Stepping into the shoes of Laure as team captain, Pepito has carried the weight of leadership with a blend of determination and humility.
As the preseason of the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge looms, Pepito is resolute in her mission to turn their fortunes around and secure the championship that eluded them in the previous season.
“Siguro sa championship kung makaabot man kami, syempre yung makuha na yung champion kasi yun nga nung UAAP di namin nakuha. So hopefully dito po makuha na,” said Pepito, a two-time UAAP women’s volleyball best libero.
The Golden Tigresses have bolstered their roster with new talent, yet Pepito emphasizes that team chemistry remains a critical focus. With the integration of rookies into the system, P
epito insists that the team needs to continue embracing their playstyle and strategies to achieve cohesion.
“Simula nung dumating sila syempre may improvement naman pero yung sa sistema yung pag-adopt ng sistema kailangan pa talagang yakapin, kailangan nilang yakapin yung sistema na meron kami, kasi so far kulang pa talaga and kailangan pa talaga trabahuhin.”
Despite these challenges, the Tigresses have managed to maintain an impeccable record throughout the eliminations, finishing at the top of the standings.
Their journey now leads them to the semifinals of the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge, where they will face a seasoned opponent in the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Lady Blazers, the reigning champions of the tournament.
Pepito, although confident, remains grounded in her approach. She acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by the Lady Blazers, highlighting their experience and championship pedigree.
“Siguro yung laro po namin ng elimination sa kanila talagang challenging and hindi naman po talaga namin sila tinetake as easy kalaban kasi nga syempre may experience, may championship experience sila,” noted the 5-foot-2 libero.
Pepito is also optimistic about the learning opportunities this matchup presents, especially for the rookies on the team.
“Happy kami kasi syempre karamihan samin rookies this liga, so happy kami and alam kong excited yung mga bata na mas maraming matutuhan sa ganong team na well experienced,” she added.
The Golden Tigresses are set to clash with the Lady Blazers on September 18 at 3 p.m. at the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City, with a coveted spot in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge finals on the line.
As UST continues its quest for redemption and glory, the eyes of the volleyball community will undoubtedly be on this electrifying encounter, witnessing a team that has turned its fortunes around and is now poised for greatness. (CDR)
