UST Tigresses’ Regina Jurado. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Rookie Regina Jurado was fearless in helping University of Santo Tomas put a chink in the armor of the erstwhile-unbeaten National University in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
Jurado didn’t play like a rookie in front of the UST-dominated 5,504 crowd as she stood her ground in the fifth set and finished with 18 points in their 25-23, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11 victory that snapped the Lady Bulldogs’ 20-game winning streak on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I just put in my mind that they are beatable. Because this season, this was not the first time that they were forced to play in five sets. [It was the same] against Adamson,” said Jurado, who had 14 kills, two aces, and two blocks on top of 11 digs, in Filipino.
The former UST High School star said she enjoyed the game to withstand the pressure-packed match against the powerhouse NU, which last experienced a loss on April 27, 2019 in Season 81 against her teammate, Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina’s squad, 27-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-16.
“We played our hearts out and enjoyed. Because enjoying the game is the most important thing to do inside the court to shake off the pressure and fear,” Jurado said.
UST coach KungFu Reyes was hardly surprised by Jurado’s composure and maturity inside the court.
“I’m not surprised because ever since she’s been playing like that. I’m just waiting for them to mature together because this is our investment all throughout high school. Regina has been part of the program for almost six years and now she is part of the spotlight,” Reyes said in Filipino. “There are still ups and downs on her game. But what’s important is she knows how to recover and accept her role through her actions.”
“This is the result of their hard work in practice. That’s why they have been giving their all every game, every set, and every point,” he added.
After tying NU at 2-1 in the second seed, Jurado is honored to be part of the UST squad that brought down the defending champions, who swept last year’s season.
“I’m blessed. Even though this is my rookie year, I am so happy to be able to contribute and be part of the first batch to win against NU,” said Jurado in Filipino.