UAAP: UST’s ‘discipline, determination’ key to unbeaten start

UST coach KungFu Reyes and Angge Poyos react during a game against FEU in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas Tigresses are not just coming to every game to play, they fight to win.

That’s been the key to their hot 4-0 start in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament — UST’s best start since its 6-0 record in the 2010-11 season.

“Ang mentality talaga na ini-instill namin sa kanila kung sinong kalaban na andyan ilalaban namin yung laro kasi kung maglalaro lang kami hindi kami mananalo,” said UST coach KungFu Reyes after his wards crawled back from two sets down to overcome Far Eastern University in five sets, 22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-7, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Yung every game, every point na ilalaban namin may possibility na manalo.”

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round

UST remained the lone unbeaten team in the UAAP after taking down finalists La Salle and National University as well as rebuilding the University of the East before surviving FEU.

The Tigresses may have lost Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Milena Alessandrini, and other key players. But UST has been flaunting a balanced attack and disciplined defense to seize the solo league lead.

“Yung discipline namin and determination tsaka paulit ulit namin sinasabi yung paulit ulit namin na during attack deliberate yung binibigay namin sa kalaban namin,” Reyes said. “Yung discipline andyan sa depensa and yun nga down by two, kailangan maging determined kami na makuha yung bawat puntos, every set hanggang sa makuha namin yung game.”

READ: Promising trio has UST Tigresses off to roaring start

Rookie Angge Poyos has been sensational for UST, leading the scoring with wing spikers Reg Jurado and Jonna Perdido. Setter Cassie Carballo has been vital with her playmaking and libero Detdet Pepito has been providing a superb floor defense and leadership, while Em Banagua has been their solid middle blocker.

Xyza Gula and Mae Coronado were also revelations from the Tigresses’ bench when Perdido and Bianca Plaza struggled inside the court.

“Alam namin kasi ready yang mga yan, lahat ng tao namin sa lineup nakaready yan just na kailangan lang ng right time nagcontribute sila bigtime yun ang pinaka maganda doon,” said Reyes.

UST hopes to continue its momentum against Ateneo on Saturday.