UAAP: Detdet Pepito honored to lead "Mini Miss UST" to first Finals appearance since Season 81

Prior to the beginning of UAAP Season 86, ace libero Detdet Pepito was tasked to lead the young UST Golden Tigresses in the upcoming women's volleyball tournament.

While many pegged UST as just Final Four contenders once more, Pepito and the rest of Golden Tigresses shocked many fans after going undefeated in the first round, and later securing the second seed and the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

And through their Season 86 run, the Golden Tigresses defeated the defending champions DLSU Lady Spikers thrice, culminating with a decisive Final Four win after a five-set thriller, 25-20, 16-25, 25-20,19-25, 15-7.

After their emotional victory, Pepito couldn't help but be grateful for the opportunity to lead the "Mini Miss UST."

"Sobrang honored talaga ako na maging captain ball nang ganitong promising team. So, nagpapasalamat ako sa teammates ko kasi talagang trinabaho namin every point, every day, every training and yun, salamat Lord kasi nagbunga po talaga," Pepito said during the post-game press conference.

More than just dethroning DLSU as UAAP champions, Pepito, who finished with 18 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions, helped avenge the heartbreak experienced by her UST seniors last season.

Last year's batch, who lost to the Lady Spikers in the Final Four, included the likes of Milena Alessandrini, Imee Hernandez, Eya Laure, and KC Galdones.

"Siyempre nandun talaga yung una, napangdududa na parang paano na yung team ganyan, tapos parang biglang napili akong captain ball parang 'sure ka coach?'" said Pepito.

"Nung napili ba ako parang, ewan ko ba. Pero ayun, dine-dedicate din po namin sa mga seniors ko na yun naibawi namin kayo ates."

With just two wins left needed for UST to bring back the crown to España, Pepito will look to continue her stable leadership for the Golden Tigresses in the Finals, where they will face either the no. 1 NU Lady Bulldogs or the surging FEU Lady Tamaraws.