Last year’s finalists, the UST Golden Tigresses, are on a roll after an opening day loss as they are now winners of three straight games in UAAP Season 87.
UST skipper Detdet Pepito said that she and the rest of the team are far from happy with their performances after they extended their win streak to three, flaunting their might despite an opening day loss to FEU last month.
That is, though things have already looked brighter for the España squad, there’s no stopping them to work on their game even more.
Right after winning their third straight game at the expense of Shaina Nitura and the Adamson Lady Falcons, Pepito said that they still have a long way to go from reaching what they want this season — especially as they chase another finals run.
[RELATED: Reg Jurado, UST drub Shaina Nitura and Adamson for third straight win in UAAP Season 87]
“Malayo pa talaga [kami], pero sinasabi ko nga sa kanila na tiyagain natin kasi nakakakuha kami ng panalo, pero hindi pa rin kami satisfied sa ginagawa namin,” Pepito said.
“Kailangan doblehin lang namin 'yung tiyaga namin especially sa training kasi kulang din sa pahinga kasi sunod-sunod yung games kaya sabi ni Reg [Jurado] ‘mind over matter’ na lang kasi lahat kami nakakaexperience niyan for sure.”
Against an equally capable Adamson, UST dug deep in an extended fourth set as they took advantage of an errant Lady Falcons side, where two crucial errors from rookies Nitura and Frances Mordi doomed the San Marcelino squad.
Despite a good team win, which featured big scoring performances from Angge Poyos, Jurado, and Pia Abbu, Pepito said that they have more heart to put into it.
“Pusuan na lang talaga ang labanan [dito sa UAAP],” she said.
Poyos and Jurado led UST in scoring with 21 and 17 points, respectively. Abbu, for her part, added a big 10 points from the middle.
Pepito also continued to cover ground for the Golden Tigresses with 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
Now at 3-1, UST will be shifting their focus against another dangerous foe in the UP Fighting Maroons, whom they face on Wednesday, March 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Though riding a high with their win streak, Pepito acknowledged that it will be a challenge for UST.
“Syempre excited din lalo’t na yung mga previous games nga nila, nakita naman natin na talagang hindi sila basta-basta na team,” Pepito said of UP.
“Paghahandaan namin, pagtitiyagaan namin, at excited kami mas may matutunan sa kanila,” she added.