Count on Pia Abbu to make her presence felt for the UST Golden Tigresses as they go on a five-game win streak in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball.
Middle blocker Pia Abbu was a force to be reckoned with in University of Santo Tomas' swift three-set victory over Ateneo, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Sunday, March 9.
Abbu ably guarded the net with five blocks while also delivering from the attack zone with eight to become one of three Tigresses in double-digit scoring with her 13 points. She backstopped Angge Poyos (19) and Reg Jurado (14).
[RELATED STORY: UST blanks Ateneo, extends win streak to 5 in UAAP women's volley]
After the game, Abbu spoke about her mentality in contributing in various ways for red-hot UST.
“Gusto ko lang talagang maka-contribute sa team sa lahat ng aspect,” said Abbu.
“Siyempre, senior din. Kahit sa labas ng court, ma-lead ko iyong teammates ko or even inside. 'Yun lang talaga 'yung mindset, na makatulong sa kahit anong department, sa serve, sa block, kung saan man magkulang.”
Pia Abbu celebrates with her fellow UST Golden Tigresses during their first-round match against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball. | Photo (c) UAAP
Abbu has been shaping up as a reliable source of points, which is pivotal for the Espana-based team as they try to make a return trip to the Finals.
But Abbu wasn’t one to toot her own horn.
Rather, she credited UST’s coaching staff for helping her fine-tune her skills and of her teammates as well.
“All thanks sa coaches namin na grabe iyong tiyaga sa amin sa training and tinututukan kami individually and per department sa skills,” said Abbu.
“Sa kanila talaga ang puri sa performance namin ngayon.”
Abbu and the rest of the Golden Tigresses' next test will be against their conqueror in the championship stage last season, National University, on Sunday, March 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Abbu will savor the team's week-long rest which will give them more time to prepare in the marquee match.
“Privilege na one week iyong pahinga namin so more time to prepare. Iyong time na iyon, mas malaking bagay sa amin para maayos iyong galaw namin as a team in preparation sa NU namin game,” she said.
UST now tote a 5-1 card with just a game remaining in the first round.