University of Santo Tomas is on the brink of elimination in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament, but head coach Kung Fu Reyes is already looking ahead to the future of his team.
Reyes said the Tigresses will parade new faces Season 81 that could change the team’s fate after another shaky year as sisters EJ and Eya Laure are ready to wear their stripes for UST.
“EJ and Eya are in the pool already, and I also have players in the high school team then there are also others who have expressed their willingness to play for UST,” said Reyes after their crucial 25-22, 20-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-9 loss to Ateneo Wednesday.
“We can already see the players who we can move up to the college team, all we have to do is develop them.”
The Golden Tigresses are tied with University of the Philippines for the sixth seed in the tournament with 4-8 records with the two teams both having mathematical chances for a spot in the semifinals.
Reyes added that aside from the Laure sisters, captain Cherry Rondina will return to the Golden Tigresses for the 2019 tournament to exhaust her fifth playing year.
“Sisi will use her fifth year and she’s even worried that those who would join the team are taller than her,” said Reyes, who still poked fun at the height of his 5-foot-6 spiker.
“She’s worried because the taller players might take her spot in the team, but of course I’m just kidding.”