Detdet Pepito and the UST Golden Tigresses defied the odds and exceeded all expectations after a gallant campaign in the UAAP Season 86.
It's not the height that matters, but the heart that beats within.
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirited campaign of the UST Golden Tigresses in UAAP Season 86.
Despite being relatively younger and undersized compared to their competition — a factor that earned them the endearing nickname 'Mini Miss UST' — the Golden Tigresses emerged as legitimate title contenders, defying the odds and exceeding all expectations.
So, it should not come as a surprise that UST captain Detdet Pepito beams with pride, even after the team settled for a second-place finish to eventual champions, the NU Lady Bulldogs.
“Siyempre proud po kami sa bawa't isa, sa coaches, sa teammates ko po na kalahati lang ‘yung height pero grabe yung puso,” said Pepito, who once again earned the Best Libero recognition.
[ALSO READ: 'Gusto ko na kaagad bumawi' | Angge Poyos hungrier than ever after UST settles for UAAP silver]
Entering the season, few would have predicted the young UST squad to make a significant impact. However, the Golden Tigresses, under the tutelage of Kungfu Reyes, rose to the occasion with an abundance of grit and heart, compensating for their relative lack of height and experience.
What initially appeared to be a clear two-team race for the championship between the Lady Bulldogs and Season 85 champion De La Salle Lady Spikers suddenly evolved into a three-way tussle, as the Golden Tigresses emerged as a formidable threat.
As the season ran its course, UST dethroned defending La Salle in the Final Four and reached the Finals for the first time since 2019.
However, disaster struck for the Golden Tigresses in Game 1 of the Finals against the Lady Bulldogs when super rookie Angge Poyos suffered a right ankle injury. This setback dealt a critical blow, resulting in a pivotal loss in the opening match of the best-of-three series.
In the must-win Game 2, Poyos displayed resilience and suited up for UST. Despite her efforts, the Rookie of the Year struggled to regain her peak form, leaving the team unable to perform at their full potential.
While Pepito, Cassie Carballo, Xyza Gula, Jonna Perdido, Regina Jurado, and Em Banagua attempted to shoulder the load for the Golden Tigresses, the Lady Bulldogs proved relentless in their pursuit of a fourth overall title.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Kungfu Reyes takes pride in Mini Miss UST’s gallant run despite silver finish]
After enduring heartbreak on the grandest stage of the tournament, Pepito and the rest of UST are determined to avoid a similar fate in the season ahead.
“Kulang pa, pero nandun na kami,” Pepito said.
“So ‘yun nga, sabi nila coach next time ‘wag na kaming papayag na ganito yung maramdaman ulit namin next season.”