UAAP: Pepito says now is UST's best chance to win the title

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MANILA, Philippines – Captain Detdet Pepito believes this year is the University of Santo Tomas' best chance to bring back the crown to Spain in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.

A win is what UST needs to return to the UAAP's biggest stage after five years as they earn the double bonus following a crucial 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15 victory over incumbent champion La Salle on Saturday in front of 14,939 rapt fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum ahead of the Final Four showdown.

Despite losing Eya Laure and Co., the Tigresses finished with a 12-2 record in the knockout round for the first time since Season 72 when they last won the title in 2010.

READ: UST wins twice, after repeating over La Salle

Pepitop, the star libero, said the team's solid bond has gotten them this far, despite being a young and undersized team.

“I can say this is the best chance to really regain the crown,” said Pepito, who made 17 digs and six excellent receptions.

“Because the component of this team is strange. He's very young, so if we look at it, he looks a little less experienced, but you know that, here you can really see that the hard work we've put into the team is really paying off.”

READ: UAAP: Detdet Pepito's leadership reinforces UST's twice as good offer

Detdet Pepito das Tigresas of UST.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Pepito also urged the Tigresses, led by Angge Poyos, Jonna Perdido and Reg Jurado, to remain focused on their ultimate goal of ending a 13-year title drought.

“(I'm) proud because as a young team, we really didn't expect to be in this situation and since it's here, I tell them to embrace it, we're going to win, we're going to enjoy it, we're going to cherish every moment that we're together on the Court. Just happy,” she said.

UST holds a two-fold lead against La Salle for the second time since 2019, when the Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure-led Tigresses reached the Season 81 Finals, ending the Lady Spikers' 'four-peat' dream.

“We are really back to work and this is another challenge that of course, we have to embrace and yes, we are happy because it is really a great experience. This is a great help for this young and rebuilding team”, said the star libero.