As one era ends, another one begins for the Growling Tigresses.
UAAP Season 85 was a heartbreaking year for the UST Growling Tigresses, for many reasons.
What seemed to be like a possible championship season, turned into a quick Final Four exit. It also marked the end of the Eya Laure chapter in España, a prized homegrown talent that blossomed into an absolute star after getting her start in UST high.
But as one era of UST ends, another is set to begin come Season 86.
Head coach: Kung-Fu Reyes
Key losses: Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Melissa Alessandrini, KC Galdones, Maji Mangulabnan
Key returnees: Bernadett Pepito, Regina Jurado, Cassie Carballo
Season 85 record: 10-4 (4th place)
Over the past two years, UAAP championships have been won by teams with superstar rookies carrying the team on their backs when needed.
Bella Belen did it for NU in Season 84. Angel Canino did for La Salle in Season 85.
This season, the Growling Tigresses are set to field rookie sensation Angeline Poyos. They hope to possibly do the same.
Having already been with UST since high school, the 19-year-old outside hitter is no stranger to the system that is already being enforced in the seniors division.
“Hindi naman mahirap sakin mag-adjust from GVT (girls’ volleyball team) hanggang nag women's volleyball ako kasi same lang 'yung sistema, same lang 'yung coaches kaya apaka-gaan lang sa loob para sa akin na mag-laro,” Poyos told One Sports.
Early on, Poyos has shown great promise for the Growling Tigresses, especially during their campaigns in the Shakey’s Super League tournaments.
That’s why the prized recruit from Bohol is not lacking in confidence about UST’s chances of finally making it to the Finals this season.
'Yung experiences ko ng pre-season tournaments, sobrang ganda. Sobrang ganda naman ng pinakita namin, pinakita ng team and nag-bunga nga, nagka-podium finish kami,” said Poyos. “Madadala ko 'yun, panghahawakan ko talaga na dapat kaming mag-podium finish or makapasok sa Finals this season.”
Of course, Poyos won’t be alone in spearheading the charge for the Growling Tigresses.
UST will be led by team captain Bernadett Pepito, along with stars Regina Jurado and Cassie Carballo.
Despite their young roster heading into Season 86, the Growling Tigresses’ goal remains the same—a championship for the Thomasian community.