UAAP: Rookie Regina Jurado helps UST exact revenge on Ateneo

UST Tigresses’ Regina Jurado. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Regina Jurado was glad to help University of Santo Tomas get back at Ateneo, which ended the former’s run last year in the stepladder semifinals in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

The rookie spiker poured in a game-high 15 points, including three aces from the third set, as the Tigresses sent the Blue Eagles to their worst start in 13 years, 25-19, 25-23, 25-14, on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Jurado wanted to help their team captain Eya Laure in exacting sweet revenge on their Season 84 tormentors, who eliminated the third seed UST in the knockout semis game.

“Ate Eya wanted to bounce back against the team that eliminated them last year. I’m grateful because I was part of this win against Ateneo. Although there is still a second round, we will keep on working,” said Jurado in Filipino.

Laure, who delivered nine points, 12 digs, and six receptions, was glad to have a hard-hitting spiker like Jurado on her side as they rose to the solo fourth place, winning four of their first six games.

“I can now focus on defense because she’s there to kill the ball. That was the mindset of Ate Sisi (Rondina) before [when I was a rookie]. I have the same mindset now because I can rely on them in the frontline, while we will defend at the back,” said Laure in Filipino. “We will rise together because winning is all about teamwork.”

Eya on Regina: Dedepensa ka na lang tapos siya na yung papatay. #UAAPSeason85 pic.twitter.com/2cv9VhQ0WQ

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 15, 2023

Jurado was glad to hear those words from Laure as she becomes more determined to be better for UST.

“I will keep on doing better to sustain their expectation on us, rookies,” said the UST high school standout in Filipino. “There are still a lot of learnings along the way. I hope I will be able to bring it as the season progresses.”

Despite Jurado rising to the occasion against the Blue Eagles, Laure said their vengeful win is just a step towards their bigger goals this season.

“The season is not yet over. This is just one of the steps that we have to take. Of course, we will continue to follow and focus on our goals,” she said.

UST eyes its third straight win to end the first round against the winless University of the East on Saturday at the same venue in San Juan City.