By NIKOLE JAVIER
University of Santo Tomas is looking to add a new chapter to its storied history in the UAAP women’s volleyball.
Why not?
But to do it, UST coach Kungfu Reyes said they have to re-produce their performance the last time so they can pull off a repeat win over defending champion La Salle in their Final Four duel on Saturday.
“We’re just starting a new chapter again kung ano ‘yung gusto namin ilagay sa history books namin,” said Reyes.
It’s no easy task but Reyes and the Golden Tigresses did it five years ago and they are even more confident these days.
Having a twice-to-beat armor, UST hopes to use it as a motivation to go for the kill more than an “extra life” knowing full well how dangerous the Lady Spikers are if given the opportunity to strike back.
They were full of fire and determination the last time, the Angge Poyos-led team scored a 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15 win against the Lady Spikers.
The Golden Tigresses finished the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball eliminations with a 12-2 card – good for second place.
They are actually tied for first with former champion National University but the Lady Bulldogs took the top seeding on account of their superior set-rate ratio.
Interestingly, on May 5, 2019, the Golden Tigresses booked their ticket to their last championship appearance with a hard fought five-set victory (25–19, 25–19, 20–25, 23–25, 15–10) at the expense of the Lady Spikers.
And Reyes is hoping to achieve it once more before talking about their overriding goal.
But he is confident of their chances.
“With our hard work and as long as we are healthy and in our one hundred percent, we will perform at any cost. ‘Yun naman talaga ang pinagtatrabahuhan namin. No expectations pero nandito na kami kaya isasagad na namin. Kasi ‘yun na ang big picture na tinitingnan namin sa ngayon,” he said.
With reigning Most Valuable Player Angel Canino making her return to La Salle for the first time after missing five outings due to a right arm injury, the Angge Poyos-led UST was unfazed and remained determined on its feet.
“Maganda ‘yung pagpasok namin ng top four kasi nga nanalo kami. Malaking panalo ‘yun. Nakuha namin [what we were aiming for], hindi lang makapasok ng top four but makuha ‘yung twice-to-beat advantage. Hindi naging madali ‘yung mga pinagdaanan. Lalo na ‘yung makaharap mo ‘yung defending champion,” Reyes said.
“Pero simula ulit ng bagong chapter since Final Four na ‘yung competition.”
During their first meeting, UST averted a total collapse in their five-set affair (25-18, 25-23, 14-25, 16-25, 15-12) last Feb. 25 before getting back on its feet from a first-set stumble in their recent encounter to complete the sweep.
The Golden Tigresses are playing great, especially their chemistry, but are constantly reminded not to be swayed by the false sense of complacency.
After all, the crown is still in Taft.
