Even after significant wins over NU and DLSU, the UST Golden Tigresses are determined to prove their worth in UAAP Season 86.
In just a week, the UST Golden Tigresses took down two title favorites to win UAAP Season 86—the NU Lady Bulldogs and the defending champion De La Salle Lady Spikers.
After their stunning straight-sets win over NU, the Golden Tigresses dug deep to carve out a thrilling five-set win over La Salle.
At the forefront of the win was team captain Bernadett Pepito, who finished with 12 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.
But more than her floor defense, Pepito also steered the young UST squad back to form after faltering in the third and fourth sets.
“Nung third and fourth [set], nawala talaga kami and parang nire-remind ko lang sila kung ano ba talaga 'yung goal namin and bakit naglalaro... at bakit kami nanalo ng two sets,” Pepito said during the post-game press conference.
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In front of 12,240 fans inside the Mall of Asia Arena, the Golden Tigresses completed a remarkable win against La Salle, rallying with six consecutive points in the fifth set to seal the victory and remain undefeated in Season 86.
“Talagang gusto namin may mapatunayan kami this season na hindi lang 'yung height 'yung kailangan sa volleyball para manalo,” said Pepito. “Para sa akin, napakita namin na mas malaki talaga puso namin this game and this season.”
The Season 85 Best Libero, however, knows that UST’s road to the championship is still far from reach. That’s why, she wants the team to remain focused on their goal for the season.
“Sinabi ko nga po na ang goal talaga naman namin is manalo muna kami every game before kami mapunta sa Final Four at Finals,” said Pepito.
UST will look to continue their winning ways on Sunday, March 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena as the Tigresses face the FEU Lady Tamaraws at 4:00 p.m.