UAAP: UST Tigresses channel ‘Mamba Mentality’ in latest win

A close look at a pair of custom Kobe 8 sneakers worn by every UST player against Ateneo in the UAAP season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas Tigresses continued their winning ways in style, rocking custom Kobe 8 “Halo” sneakers when they outclassed the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Tigresses brought out the coveted kicks specially designed with UST colors and a tiger and claw marks to match. The 14 pairs of shoes were donated by a sponsor who preferred not to be named and were painted by artist Chachi Victorino in four days.

READ: UST Tigresses whip Ateneo for 5-0 record in UAAP volleyball

The players’ jersey numbers were also written on the medial side of the right shoe.

“The shoes were given to us by a sponsor who also got the idea to have it customized for the team,” sophomore spiker Regina Jurado told Inquirer Sports in Filipino. “We’re grateful for the financial support we’ve been getting. We’re getting a lot of support through sponsorships even though we’re a rebuilding team.”

UST Tigresses in custom Kobe 8 sneakers against Ateneo.–UAAP PHOTO

Clad in Kobe sneakers, the Tigresses channeled their “Mamba Mentality” to keep their perfect start going.

“Of course, we should have that kind of mentality to win the game,” said Carballo. “It’s a big factor for us and it’s also a reason why we’re even more motivated during games.”

UST notched its fifth consecutive victory for its best start since a 6-0 record during the 2010-11 season. Super rookie Angge Poyos dropped a career-high 26 points in a 25-19, 25-16, 25-19 win over Ateneo at Mall of Asia Arena.

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

“We’re grateful and happy because we’re getting a lot of support from Thomasians. We’re also thankful for the shoes that we just got. Thank you and I hope they don’t stop supporting us,” said Poyos, who hit 21-of-41 to reset her career-high, in Filipino.

“The support of the crowd was also a big boost for us. It got us even more excited to play.”

Poyos believes the shoes also fit them in a figurative sense because of their dedication in practice and determination every game.

READ: UAAP volleyball: UST Tigresses counter height with heart in taking down La Salle

“I guess the shoes do give us ‘Mamba Mentality’ and we’re going to fight every game and for every point,” Poyos said.

And true to that “Mamba Mentality,” Jurado wants the Tigresses to remain hungry for more despite their hot start.

“We’re getting there although we’re still not consistent. Hopefully, we reach that point,” she said. 

The triple white eighth signature shoe of Kobe Bryant was released in August last year and sold out quickly.