As the new season unfolds, Detdet Pepito is brimming with anticipation and determination for her senior year in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) libero is ready to take on her best friend, Bella Belen, who will return to National University (NU).
Pepito, a cornerstone for the Golden Tigresses, is fueled by the rivalry between the Sampaloc-based universities.
Her excitement is palpable as she prepares to face Belen and NU once again.
“Excited lang kami. Ta-try lang namin nang ta-try, pagtratrabahuan namin para makabawi kami,” Pepito said following UST's 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University to kick off the V-League.
“Hindi kami susuko hangga’t hindi kami nananalo sa kanila.”
The 21-year-old defensive specialist understands the weight of the task ahead.
For UST to avenge past losses to NU and claim their first UAAP title since 2011, Pepito knows they must leverage the lessons learned from previous seasons.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, Pepito will look to key holdovers Jonna Perdido, Cassie Carballo, Angge Poyos, and Mary Banagua to guide the team.
Their leadership will be crucial in integrating the new rookies and executing their game plan effectively.
“Sa training, triplehan pa namin yung effort namin kasi nga preparation nandoon na,” Pepito revealed. “Dapat yung experience rin dapat nadala na namin and nakuha na last season. Sana magamit namin yung experience ng maayos this time."
UST’s rookie class, featuring standouts like Marga Altea, Ashlee Knop, Arlene Waje, and Franzine Rameri, will play a vital role in the team’s success.
Pepito is focused on quickly acclimating these new players to the Golden Tigresses’ system.
“Actually, hindi na siya naging bago kasi nga po nung first year ko na nag-captain ball, talagang maraming bago. So parang nakakatuwa lang kasi ang dami na namin,” said Pepito, a Quezon City native.
“Maraming talented ngayon, maraming promising ngayon na rookie, so sana mas ma-adapt nila yung sistema namin, and siyempre, hindi naman namin sila papabayaan.”