UST head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes said the Golden Tigresses’ participation in pre-season leagues is aimed at developing their “raw” talents and gaining exposure as they introduce several new players.
The Golden Tigresses reached the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) quarterfinals and are now preparing to compete in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, beginning on Sunday, July 28, at the Paco Arena.
“The team now is very raw. We’re here to gain exposure and experience,” Reyes told the Varsitarian in Filipino when discussing the team’s composition in the pre-season. “This is the learning process. It’s good because we have a lot of talent, so we’re observing how they react.”
Reyes has decided to rest the team’s top players for the tournament and instead focus on giving rookies Margaret Altea, Francine Osis, Abigail Sinson, Kaizah Huyno, and Blessing Unekwe more prominent roles to acclimate them to the senior level.
“We gathered around the last week of June, so by the second week of July, we started competing. Their response to the system has been good, though there is still much to correct. But at least, we are here,” Reyes said.
Despite their SSL quarterfinals exit, the rookies performed well, with standout opposite hitter Altea leading the team with 54 points and providing needed height alongside 6’2 Nigerian import Unekwe.
Altea, Unekwe, Osis, Huyno, Arlene Waje, and Ashlee Knop will continue their pre-season activities, joining team captain Detdet Pepito. They will be supported by reigning Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos, reigning Best Setter Cassie Carballo, Regina Jurado, Joanna Perdido, Pia Abbu, Mae Coronado, Margaret Banagua, and Lou Penafiel.
The UST Golden Tigresses will begin their V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign against NCAA bronze-medalists Lyceum of the Philippines on Sunday, July 28, at the Paco Arena. Rob Andrew L. Dongiapon and Brenn Allen L. Flores with reports from Albert Earl A. Gomez
