The UST Golden Tigresses look to end the elimination round of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on a strong note as the race for no. 1 intensifies.
After experiencing its first defeat in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament, the University of Santo Tomas is slowly on the rise once more.
The Golden Tigresses are coming off a solid four-set win over the University of Philippines, 25-14, 25-13, 28-30, 25-15, for a strong 10-1 record. This was despite not having Angge Poyos and Em Banagua in the squad.
With their leading scorer in Poyos out, the UST team turned to Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido, who delivered 24 points apiece in the win.
For Jurado, their loss against National University early in the second round after their dream 8-0 start became a wake-up call for the team.
"Ni-remind lang siguro namin na since mula naman nung start nung season, wala naman talaga kaming expectations, so ever since 'yung [NU] loss, for us parang kinailangan din talaga namin 'yun para magising din and ma-realize 'yung mga lapses pa namin na dapat namin pagtuhunan ng pansin," Jurado said during the post-game press conference.
"Grateful din na kahit papaano na-panindigan namin 'yung sinasabi namin na babawi talaga kami," she added.
While UST's new streak of two games haven't been all smooth, the Golden Tigresses have definitely looked fresher this time as compared to the end of the first round.
In fact, the Holy Week break following the NU loss was a timely respite for the team, according to coach Kungfu Reyes.
''Yung physical condition 'yun kasi tinitignan namin. Hindi naman alibi pero part siya ng student-athlete [na] dadaan ng prelims, siyempre nandun 'yung sunugan ng kilay, minsan super late na natutulog [tas] mage-exam the next day tapos mage-ensayo. At least 'yung balance nung oras 'yun 'yung mga inayos namin," said Reyes.
"Maganda kasi 'yung naging Lenten break so nakapag-recover kami nun," he emphasized.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Kungfu Reyes attributes UST’s success in Season 86 to grassroots program after clinching Final Four slot]
The rejuvenated UST squad will continue their hunt for the top spot and a twice-to-beat advantage as they face Far Eastern University on Saturday, April 13 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila at 4:00 p.m.