By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of Santo Tomas stars Reg Jurado and Angge Poyos do believe that after every storm, there is a rainbow that follows.
And the two are just as excited as everyone – coach Kungfu Reyes included – as they start a new journey after ending a three-game slide – their longest since Season 80 (2018) – via a 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 27-25, 15-8 thriller against Adamson last Wednesday, April 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While they had to sacrifice a lot and work very hard starting from their preparation for a game against a team backstopped by super rookie Shai Nitura, Poyos and Jurado said it was just fine for them, convinced that the win would be a momentum builder owing to the emotions and grit they displayed in the last two sets.
“Nilabanan talaga namin and thankful na naka-recover kami,” said Poyos, who powered the Tigresses with 27 points n 25 attacks, one block, and one ace with 15 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs. “Sinumalan talaga namin sa training, tiwala sa mga coaches and teammates na kayang mag-bounce back at bumawi.”
For Jurado – she finished 20 points on 15 attacks, four blocks, and one ace with 18 excellent digs – the win should be a confidence booster.
“Masaya po kasi kailangan namin ‘tong win na ‘to pampa-boost ng confidence lalo na galing kami sa three straight losses,” said Jurado. “Very grateful din kasi pinagtiyagaan and kahit down kami ng set, naipanalo pa rin namin.”
Reyes readily agreed.
“Pero ‘to talagang ginawan namin ng paraan kasi napakahirap kapag mawawala pa samin ‘tong panalo na ‘to, we either sink or swim,” said Reyes. “Pero at least [with this win] andun parin kami sa swim, ‘di kami lulubog basta-basta, ‘yon nga inaano namin na makapag-recover ‘tong mga bata.”
The win improved their record to 6-4, tying FEU for third to fourth places, but as things stand now, they can’t afford to relax as UP and Ateneo are not far behind with 5-5 and 4-6 records, respectively.
Though having experienced such a misfortune anew, Reyes always looked to the brighter side and yearned that his wards cherished every lesson that would help them along the way.
After a two-day rest, UST hopes to start a winning streak against Ateneo on Saturday.
