The UST Golden Tigresses staged a remarkable comeback against FEU Lady Tamaraws, showcasing the team's depth and readiness.
The UST Golden Tigresses had unlikely heroes during their thrilling five-set comeback over the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, March 3.
With FEU looking like a well-oiled machine in the first two sets, coach Kungfu Reyes decided to gamble and field in some of his reserves in Xyza Gula and MJ Coronado to try ignite the team.
It’s safe to say that the strategy worked.
Down 12-16 in the third set, Gula and Coronado helped turn the tides in favor of the Golden Tigresses with several key attacks and blocks.
This proved to be the match's turning point as UST continued to ride the momentum to secure the victory in five and remain undefeated in UAAP Season 86.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: UST Tigresses reminded to 'not lose character' amid erratic showing in comeback vs FEU]
Gula finished the game with 13 points, while Coronado added seven points, three of those coming from blocks.
After not playing in UST’s first three matches, Reyes admitted to having to talk to Coronado about staying ready for the team.
And in her official debut in the league, the 19-year-old middle blocker delivered outstandingly.
“Actually, ito na rin 'yung hinihintay nung bata. Gaya ng last pep talk namin na sabi namin kay Mae na hintayin lang 'yung tamang oras at darating din naman, so eto 'yung araw na 'yun,” said Reyes.
“Maganda naman ang naging resulta, we're very happy para sa kanya kasi nga nagbubunga 'yung pinaghihirapan nung bata,” he added.
Reyes also bared that UST’s game versus FEU proved how his team remains ready when their numbers are called.
“Alam namin, ready 'yang mga 'yan. Lahat ng mga tao namin sa lineup naka-ready 'yan. It's just na kailangan lang ng right time,” Reyes said during the post-game press conference.
“Sabi nga namin, bakit hindi ginagamit? Pero nire-ready kasi namin. Ito 'yung mga pagkakataon na halos na-rotate na namin 'yung tatlong quicker namin,” he added.
UST will look to continue its winning ways on Saturday, March 9 as the Golden Tigresses face the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the Mall of Asia Arena at 2:00 p.m.