UST setter Cassie Carballo.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — If University of Santo Tomas’ first game is an indication, Cassie Carballo is certainly primed for a big sophomore year for the Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
Behind the four Golden Tigresses, who scored in double figures, was Carballo’s brilliant playmaking with 20 excellent sets as UST scored a stunning sweep over last year’s runner-up National University.
Carballo said it wasn’t hard to distribute the offensive wealth to rookie Angeline Poyos, who topscored with 16 points, and Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
“It wasn’t that hard to make plays for my teammates because each one of them can score and contribute,” said Carballo in Filipino after UST’s 25-19, 25-23, 25-22 win on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I just tried my best to make it easy for them to score. We’re not that tall of a team so what we lack in height, we try to make up for our quickness and skills that we polish every day.”
Captain libero Detdet Pepito also made it easier for her setter after protecting the floor with 16 digs and 12 excellent receptions, starting the post-Eya Laure era by forming a potent spiker trio of Jurado, Poyos, and Perdido.
“We also studied where to put the ball strategically. Congrats also to our spikers because they did a good job,” said Carballo, who also had six points with four aces.
Carballo was happy with the result as they didn’t let the pressure get the better of them and turned the cheers of the UST fans including Laure and Sisi Rondina into inspiration to stun last year’s runner-up
“We just enjoyed the game and what you saw from us we worked hard for it,” Carballo said. “Super grateful ako to the UST community because they’re always there to support us and cheer for us. I hope they will continue to be with us until the end. Win or lose, their support never wavers even with the departure of ate Eya.”