UAAP: Beth Hilongo emerges as bright spot amid UST losing skid

UST Golden Tigresses’ Mabeth Hilongo during a UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball game against FEU Lady Tamaraws. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — In the University of Santo Tomas’ second straight defeat to old rival Far Eastern University, Beth Hilongo emerged as a bright spot for the Golden Tigresses.

Hilongo unleashed a career-best 17 points on top of 11 digs and nine excellent receptions but UST fell to its second consecutive loss at the hands of FEU, 22-25, 24-26, 25-17, 26-24, to start the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball second round on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: UAAP: FEU repeats over UST in women’s volleyball

While UST coach KungFu Reyes knows the team needs to work on its maturity, he’s pleased with the Golden Tigresses’ improving rotation including one of his ‘magic bunots’ Hilongo.

“On the positive side, we’ve had some of our off-the-bench players stepping up and even becoming part of the first six, like how strong Beth (Hilongo) is playing,” said Reyes in Filipino.

“Our rotation is improving… We’re still in a place where we can overachieve in the next games.”

READ: UAAP: Detdet Pepito harps on patience as UST loses 2nd straight

Hilongo, who has been stepping up in the absence of injured spikers Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, has been embracing the the big responsibility through enjoying her passion and believing in herself like her teammates and coaches do.

“I just enjoy what I’m doing, even with the pressure behind me, so it doesn’t feel as hard. As long as my teammates are there, we’re in this together,” she said.

Hilongo said she grateful for the whole team’s trust in her and she is eager to repay it by stepping up for the Tigresses.

“It feels so great because all the hard work we put in during training, from the very beginning, is really showing in the games,” Hilongo said. “I’m also really thankful for my teammates, especially those on the court, because the pressure at first was intense, but they really helped lift me up. And I’m grateful to the coaches for believing in me, that I can do this and perform well.”