MANILA, Philippines — UST Golden Tigresses' Detdet Pepito and Angge Poyos relished the home crowd support from the Thomasian community when they faced neighbors FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Sunday.
It was extra special for the Tigresses who defeated the Lady Tamaraws, 25-15, 25-18, 25-20, as they returned the favor to their rivals who defeated them twice last season.
“This is really special for us because we drew motivation from last season when we couldn’t beat them. We really needed to bounce back this season, and especially it's our home court," said Poyos.
The 22-year-old outside spiker said playing in front of the Thomasian community was like a double-edged sword, as the pressure to win in front of the capacity crowd caused them to commit many errors.
“We’ve learned a lot of lessons, but we won’t stop until the season is over. Our goal — to make it to the Final Four — is still there, and we still have hope," said Poyos, who fired 18 points laced with seven digs, and five receptions.
Team captain and libero Pepito said she's happy UST repeated over FEU in her last playing year in the UAAP.
Pepito logged 21 excellent digs and six receptions.
“Since it’s my last playing year, I’m really happy because I told myself, ‘Yes, I won’t graduate having lost to FEU.’ We were able to bounce back with a 2–0 result, so that’s a big source of pride for our school,” said the 23-year-old.
“This is also special because it’s our home court, and it’s just so heartwarming to see that the UST community is still there no matter what happens. Thank you so, so much to them, and we hope they never get tired of supporting us until the season ends.”
The Tigresses improved to 6-4 for fifth place, tied with the Adamson Lady Falcons and the FEU Lady Tamaraws who are also 6-4 but hold superior quotient points over UST.
Adamson is in fourth place, leading FEU in points, 19-18.
The Tigresses return to action on April 5 against the UE Lady Warriors still at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.