UAAP: Inspired by UST ates, Golden Tigresses mark best start since Season 73

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses have officially matched their best start in the UAAP since Season 73, after clinching a straight-set victory over the University of the Philippines Wednesday.

Reflecting on the glory days of Season 73, when as defending champions the likes Rhea Dimaculangan and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas led the charge and also started 6-0, the young Golden Tigresses of Season 86 draw inspiration from their predecessors.

"For me, ginawa kong inspirasyon sila ate [Rhea and Aiza] and respeto din na kailangan ko mag-make a name for the team, tapos ma-contribute ko 'yung kaya kong gawin and lessen 'yung mga pag-overthink ko," rookie middle blocker Em Banagua said during the post-game press conference.

But even with a chance to make even more history in their upcoming games, new team cornerstones in Regina Jurado and Angge Poyos remain steadfast in their focus on the ultimate goal: securing the UAAP crown.

Poyos led the way once again for UST in the win with 22 points on 18 attacks and four aces, to go along with seven excellent digs and receptions, while Jurado added 12 markers.

"Happy and ginagawa lang inspiration 'yung fact na great run nga pero at the same time, hindi rin kami dapat magpapabaya and ma-kontento sa pine-perform kasi naga-adjust 'yung mga teams and for sure sa second round mahihirapan kami pero lalaban pa rin kami," said Jurado.

"As a player, ginagawa namin silang motivation ngayong season kasi good start pero sa part namin, hindi kami dapat pakampante kasi mahaba pa 'yung season and may second round pa," Poyos added.

With a blend of respect for the past and a relentless drive for the future, the Golden Tigresses are ready to leave their mark on Season 86, setting their sights firmly on bringing home the title to España Boulevard.

UST will go for a 7-0 start as they face Adamson University on Saturday, March 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 4:00 p.m.