The UST Growling Tigresses keep their head down after tallying their first elimination round sweep since stats were first recorded in the UAAP in 2003.
There is no ounce of complacency from the UST Growling Tigresses even as they completed an elimination round sweep, beating the FEU Tamaraws, 101-84, in their final elimination game of UAAP Season 88 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
Earning their first 14-0 sweep in the elimination round since stats were first recorded in the UAAP back in 2003, the Growling Tigresses are keeping themselves grounded amid a third straight trip to the UAAP Finals.
Having to wait more than a week before finding out who their Finals foe will be thanks to the step-ladder format they triggered, the Growling Tigresses will use the time to iron out their weaknesses before they return to battle.
“Hindi kami titigil magtrabaho hanggang hindi pa natatapos,” said senior Eka Soriano, who had an all-around game of 13 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in the win.
“Of course, job’s not finished. So itatrabaho [kami sa] training namin.”
UST looked a little rusty when Tigresses faced a desperate FEU side that was fighting for Final Four survival. Even as they ended up with the strong win margin, the Lady Tamaraws were able to threaten late when they cut the lead to single digits.
Among those who made sure to keep UST out of reach was Coi Danganan, who finished with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting along with six rebounds, and two blocks.
For Danganan, the Tigresses haven't proven anything yet unless they get the championship.
Having been with the team when they relinquished the crown to rivals NU in Season 87, UST has no reason to celebrate until the trophy is regained.
“Sabi ni Ate Eka kanina, parang boost sa confidence namin yung panalong to. Hindi pa tapos yung laban and hindi naman kami yung defending champion,” she said.
“So, yung mentality namin is kailangan magtrabaho pa rin para mabawi namin yung championship na yun,” she continued.
Preparing for battle
Still, the long break will bode well for the Growling Tigresses.
Head coach Haydee Ong was particular about practicing their foul shots, especially after going a sub-par 8-of-17 during their win over FEU.
Even as they took the victory to keep their record immaculate, Ong knows that there’s no telling what sort of challenges they may face in the Finals — especially with the likes of defending champions NU, and the Kacey Dela Rosa-led
Ateneo Blue Eagles still in the running for the crown.
“Tomorrow ang plano ko magf-free throw lang sila. Hanggang magdamag,” Ong joked.
“We will give time to the free throws, and of course, yun nga sabi ko, we’ll take siguro muna one or two days break. Importante yung mga rehab ng mga bata. It’s not a very easy season and we come back siguro next week,” she added.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.