UAAP: Detdet Pepito takes reins as UST able to turn season around vs FEU

Things are starting to look up for the UST Golden Tigresses on the heels of an up-and-down start to UAAP Season 88, having won back-to-back games with their win over the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Starting their season 0-2, the Golden Tigresses have since won four of their last five games and are now smack in the Top 4 of the standings with a 4-3 slate.



For skipper Detdet Pepito, it was all about changing how they approached the whole ordeal, meaning they needed to check in with themselves time and time again, whether it be during training or on game days.

Pepito is playing in her final year with the Golden Tigresses, and she's grown into a crucial leadership role.

Surrounded by younger teammates, she's taken it upon herself to lead them into the right direction.

"I think [ang role ko is] yung guide lang talaga sa mga nawawalang kaluluwa," Pepito quipped.

"Pag-remind lang po talaga sa kanila consistently. Kasi syempre hindi naman puwede na pare-parehas lang kaming iisang mindset na pare-parehas lang nada-down."

The Golden Tigresses were handed another setback when they were upset by the Adamson Lady Falcons in straight sets earlier this month, which bumped them down to 2-3 in the standings.

But since then, the Golden Tigresses have won back-to-back games and have only dropped one set in that period.

As they approach the rest of the season with a renewed mindset, Pepito is there to constantly remind her fellow Golden Tigresses that they can lean on her anytime, anywhere.

"Kailangan mo talaga kahit anong sitwasyon, kailangan maparamdam ko sa kanila na nandito ako, kaya pa namin, kaya pa ng team namin," she said.

Against the Lady Tamaraws, Pepito flexed her floor defense skills, finishing with 11 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.

Her reliable presence on the floor helped the Golden Tigresses keep FEU at bay, with three players finishing in double digit scoring.

Angge Poyos top scored with 16 markers while Reg Jurado and Avril Bron had 10 points each.

Meanwhile, FEU leaned on Jaz Ellarina's 10 points as hitter Gerz Petallo went down with an injury in the third set.



The Lady Tamaraws saw their three-game win streak snapped midway through the season.

They also tout an identical 4-3 slate.

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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.