UST IS in unfamiliar territory after losing the general championship anew to the De La Salle University last year.
Can the Growling Tigers revive their historic dynasty and secure their 40th UAAP overall title or will the Green Archers make it three in a row and start their own?
Here is the Varsitarian’s fearless forecast on UST’s quest for redemption in UAAP Season 77.
BADMINTON
Male Shuttlers
Last Year: Third Place
Prediction: Fourth Place
With the departure of key players Kit Benjude Cajefe and RJ Ormilla, the Male Shuttlers could miss the Final Four this season. Head coach Noli Cajefe admitted that this year’s roster would not be as competitive as the one last season.
The rookies, although showing promising potential, were yet to cope with the intensity of the collegiate game, he said.
“The graduation of our No. 1 singles and doubles made our team weaker compared to the other schools. That’s why making to the Final Four is very elusive, as of now,” he said.
However, Cajefe is not closing his door to a possible Final Four appearance as the team will lean on national team mainstay Paul John Pantig, who finished with a silver medal in the 2014 Philippine National Games last May.
The Shuttlers are also hoping for a steady performance from third year-players Alcaed Sabanal and Jesschard Piol, who also gained experience in the PNG.
Female Shuttlers
Last Year: Fifth Place
Prediction: Fifth Place
Even an intact lineup this season, the Female Shuttlers will have a hard time entering the Final Four as other teams also improved their rosters by acquiring top caliber rookies.
“We still have a lot to work on in training but we will try to make it to the Final Four. Other schools beefed up ther lineup and we’re finding that difficult to stay at-par with,” Cajefe said.
The team will be led veteran Anna Patricia Barredo while rookie Iris Macalino looks ready for the collegiate tourney, ranking second in the team’s roster.
Despite the tough competition, Cajefe reminded his players to keep a strong fighting spirit.
“I always tell them to keep their fighting spirit high. Even when they [other teams] have national team players, there are still ways to win,” he said.
Defending champion Ateneo de Manila University remains the team to beat along with De La Salle University and Far Eastern University.
BASKETBALL
Growling Tigers
Last year: Second place
Prediction: Final four
Falling short of the championship for two consecutive years, the Growling Tigers are “hungrier now more than ever.”
The Tigers are looking forward to another crack at the crown with their new and reinforced lineup, including a new coach, one returning player and five rookies.
New Tigers head coach Bong Dela Cruz said his players needed more time to develop their chemisty.
Dela Cruz also expects better performances from veterans Karim Abdul and Aljon Mariano, who are taking the team captain duties for the Growling Tigers.
With the return of Louie Vigil and the help of a deeper bench, the Tigers are aiming to be more versatile and durable during the games this year.
“Basta every day kailangan naming mag-improve individually and also as a team,” he said.
Tigresses
Last Year: Third Place
Prediction: Champion
With a Fr. Martin Cup championship and a FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup runner-up finish under their belt during the offseason, the Tigresses hope to claim the UAAP title next with a battle-tested and defensive-minded lineup.
The Tigresses will rely on fiesty forward Lore Rivera, center Maica Cortez, sweet shooting Kristine Siapoc, Kim Reyes and rookies Tin Capilit and Misaela Larosa to power their run-and-gun style of play.
Coach Chris Cantonjos is putting emphasis on defense this season. “I’m not just saying this, it is already proven that if we play defense well, we are going to win the championship easily,” he said.
The former UAAP MVP-turned coach also said that his wards are on a mission to win their first title since 2006.
But the NU Lady Bulldogs remains a threat for UST’s championship hopes as they trounced the Tigresses in the Filoil Flying V championship.
“We are hungry. We are the team who is very hungry to win the championship,” Cantonjos added.
TAEKWONDO
Tiger Jins
Last year: Second place
Prediction: Champion
Aiming to recover from their slip last season when they finished second, the Tiger Jins are seeking for redemption this year.
Despite losing UAAP Season 75 Athlete of the Year Christian Al Dela Cruz, the squad remains one of the toughest contenders for the UAAP title for Season 77.
Coach Dindo Simpao is eager to redeem the crown despite the ever-present Green Archer threat and added that losing will not be an option.
“Winning is the reason why we compete each and every season in all divisions,” Simpao said.
Lady Jins
Last year: Champion
Prediction: Champion
A powerhouse squad in the UAAP, the UST Lady Jins are looking to dominate once again this season.
Banking on reigning MVP Abby Cham and veterans Jane Narra and Bianca Go, the Lady Jins are bound for another strong stint this year.
Coach Dindo Simpao shared that they are determined to extend their reign in the taekwondo scene, adding that he is hoping to sweep all four titles.
“Our desire is to win everything every year,” Simpao said.
Poomsae
Last year: Champion
Prediction: Champion
With an intact lineup, the UST Poomsae team are poised for back-to-back sweeps this year.
Armed with a firm fighting spirit, Shannen Sia, Marvin Gabriel, Rodolfo Reyes Jr., and Ronnel Avenido will strive to continue their reign as UAAP poomsae royalty.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Junior Tigresses
Last year: Champion
Prediction: Finals
DEFENDING the title will be a big challenge for the Junior Tigresses this season following the graduation of their core group, led by Most Valuable Player Ennajie Laure.
Still, UST will be the team to beat this year as coach Emilio Reyes Jr. will look to lean on team captain and last year’s best blocker Pauline Gaston as well as reigning best setter Eya Laure.
“We are 70 percent ready to defend the crown and we will still work on the remaining 30 percent before the UAAP starts. There are still a lot of adjustments to be made because some of the players lack exposure,” told Reyes.
Despite their lack of exposure, Reyes is confident that rookies Maria Regina Mangulabnan, Mary Rose Jauculan and Audrey Bolintiam can fill vacant positions in the team.
“There will be a big adjustment, though they are already familiarized with the other drills. My focus now is their communication inside the court. The team is still competitive,” he added.
Last season, the UST girls’ volleyball team ended their three-year title drought after reigning over National University, making UST the second most winningest team in the juniors’ division with six championships behind De La Salle-Zobel.
