V-League Finals MVP Cassie Carballo eager to keep on improving

UST Golden Tigresses’ Cassie Carballo named Finals MVP during the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Cassie Carballo had a banner preseason after leading the University of Santo Tomas to 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge supremacy and bringing home prestigious individual awards.

Carballo emerged as the Finals MVP to pair with her Best Setter award as UST got the better of Far Eastern University, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14, in a do-or-die Finals Game 3 on Friday at Philsports Arena.

The star playmaker, though, remained grounded, taking her individual awards and championship as motivation to even do better for the UAAP Season 87 next year.

READ: UST Tigresses outlast FEU Lady Tamaraws to clinch V-League crown

“I can’t settle yet because I know that I still have a lot to improve on,” said Carballo, who had 19 excellent sets and five points in Game 3.

“I still need the guidance of the coaches to polish the areas in my skills that need more work,” she added.

The conclusion of Game 2 of the Finals was a perfect example of the points of improvements for Carballo and the Tigresses. After the premature celebration follwoing her supposed game-winner that turned out to be a net fault, UST couldn’t get back on track and allowed FEU to force a decider. 

READ: UAAP: UST setter Cassie Carballo draws inspiration from tattoos

“We just didn’t dwell on what happened. [In] Game 3, that’s where we focused, that’s what we prepared for.”

After having an impressive preseason showing, Carballo credited her coaches and teammates, who honed her for early success.

“I want to thank the coaches for the guidance they’ve given me because they’ve been incredibly patient with me during training. We go through and work hard for everything. I’m also really grateful for the support system from my teammates.”