VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — Bernadette “Detdet” Pepito embraced her first taste of professional volleyball, making her long-awaited debut for the Capital 1 Solar Spikers in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour on Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum.
The two-time UAAP Best Libero earned the starting nod in Capital 1’s tournament opener against the Nxled Chameleons. Although the Solar Spikers bowed in straight sets, 17-25, 23-25, 18-25, the former University of Santo Tomas (UST) captain remained grateful for the experience.
“Actually, I was shocked when people screamed the moment I was introduced. I wasn’t expecting to be recognized like that as a libero. I’m very happy, and I hope future players who play the same position will realize that libero is not ‘just a libero.’ We can also perform at our best,” Pepito said.
The 23-year-old admitted she battled first-game jitters and excitement, adding that cramps limited her in the third set and forced her to leave the floor temporarily.
“My first game was not that bad. Of course, as a rookie, there were jitters and excitement, but I’m glad I was able to handle it. I just need to find a solution for my cramps every game, and we’ll work on that,” she said.
After serving as one of UST’s leaders and helping the Golden Tigresses capture a silver medal in UAAP Season 86 before back-to-back bronze finishes in Seasons 87 and 88, Pepito said she has no problem starting over as a rookie in the pros.
“There’s not much difference because here in Capital 1, we all help each other grow. As a rookie, I’m very happy because I’m learning so much from the veterans,” she said.
Pepito is also reunited with several former Golden Tigresses, including KC Galdones, Ysa Jimenez, Taps Tapia, Khy Cepada, and Pia Abbu. Still, she emphasized that school affiliations no longer matter now that they share the same goal.
“It doesn’t matter that there are a lot of former Golden Tigresses here because it’s so easy to jell with the team and play with them. I’m very thankful because they never made me feel like I was a rookie,” Pepito said.
