UST’s star libero Detdet Pepito had the choice of going pro or staying for one more season with the Golden Tigresses.
Motivation is a complicated thing.
But it was quite simple for UST libero Detdet Pepito when she returned to the Golden Tigresses for one last year in the UAAP.
For Pepito, it was both a personal and communal reason. That is, she felt the need for redemption both at an individual level and as a team.
In UAAP Season 87, Pepito admitted that she wasn’t playing in her best form.
“Naging basehan ko po 'yung last season ko na performance.” Pepito said during her Ask Me Anything on Reddit with One Sports.
“Naramdaman ko na, hindi ko rin talaga nabigay yung best ko.”
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The former UAAP Best Libero attributed her struggles last season to divided attention, with her education also taking a bulk of her time.
Pepito was also undergoing on the job training, also known as OJT, during her UAAP season.
“Nahati 'yung naging attention and 'yung focus. So hopefully, mabawi ko ngayong season, and siyempre, pinagtrabahuhan ko naman po,” she said.
All systems go
It wasn’t all about personal reasons, though, as Pepito also subscribed to a brand new system brought in by new head coach Shaq delos Santos.
Delos Santos took over the reins after becoming a deputy to former long-time head coach Kung Fu Reyes.
The new system has given Pepito renewed vigor, along with the rest of her teammates — including the fit-again Jonna Perdido, who is also playing her final year in the UAAP.
“Yung biggest factor [din] po siguro 'yung coaches and 'yung teammates, lalo po sila Jonna and sila Xyza [Gula] na yun nga, 'di nakapag-perform last season,” she said, with Gula also being sidelined due to health reasons.
“Nakita ko po na kakayanin namin this season. Kasi makakabalik na sila… [At] syempre, 'yung UST community [din],” she added.
The journey won’t be easy for the Golden Tigresses, especially after missing out on the finals last year.
No less than defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs will be their opening assignment for UAAP Season 88 with the two sides meeting for the main game on Sunday, February 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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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.