Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Though coming out on the losing end in its semifinals series against Pocari Sweat, University of Santo Tomas coach Kungfu Reyes was glad to see his girls show some grit on Monday.
“Masaya kami na malungkot,” he said after the Tigresses’ five-set defeat to the Lady Warriors, 25-17, 24-26, 26-24, 25-27, 15-8.
“Masaya kami may lumalabas na sa pinaghihirapan namin. Bonus na nga lang na nasa semifinals kami, pero mas maganda sana kung nakalusot pa kami kahit umabot man lang ng Game 3.”
UST pushed Pocari Sweat to its limit, with its young core stepping up big against its fancied opposition.
At one point, the Tigresses crawled out of a 17-23 hole and even pulled off a 26-24 victory in the second set.
“Yun naman ang hinihintay namin eh, na lumaban sila against Pocari,” said Reyes. “At least, tinrabaho naman ng mga bata. We had a good run. Nothing to be ashamed of and we had everything to gain.”
The outspoken mentor is hoping that the surprise appearance in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference semifinals could only mean good things for UST in the future as it prepares for its UAAP Season 79 campaign.
“At least, nakakita kami ng early prospects na pwedeng pumasok sa Magic 14. May mga nakatago pa kami sa Team B namin, so we’ll see. Syempre ibang usapan pa rin ang UAAP,” he said