UAAP: UST shows steady progress after early struggles

UST Tigresses celebrate during a victory over FEU Lady Tamaraws in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—It’s no secret that the University of Santo Tomas is undergoing a tough coaching transition.

After the Golden Tigresses’ sweep of the Far Eastern University to end their first-round campaigns in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, though, assistant coach Yani Fernandez beamed with pride after seeing the team’s slow but steady progress.

READ: UAAP: UST sweeps FEU, rises to 4-3 in women’s volleyball

“Baby steps are really happening, but again, we see the series of these games and at least, even if we were slow in the start, we’re doing good in the end,” Fernandez said in Filipino.

“That’s what’s speaking for us in our games. We need to meet halfway and support each other because that’s the essence of the team.”

After starting the season with two losses to begin Delos Santos’ second tour of duty as UST coach, the Tigresses buckled down and have now won four of their last five games.

READ: UAAP: Reg Jurado leads UST response after tough loss

Fernandez acknowledged that while it was hard to transition from one coach to another–especially after Kungfu Reyes took control of the program for 10 years–their record of 4-3 at the end of the first round is a good sign.

“Kudos to coach Shaq because he’s really trusting his players and coaches. His situation is no joke.”

“He’s been in our coaching staff for two years and with nine months in as head coach, it hasn’t been easy but like he said, ’kakayanin.’ All of us support coach Shaq.”