UST's Detdet Pepito, Pia Abbu grateful despite Final Four exit, weighs future plans

Despite their Final Four exit, University of Santo Tomas seniors Detdet Pepito and Pia Abbu are still grateful for the support they have received in their journey.

The Golden Tigresses capped their run in UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament after falling to twice-to-beat De La Salle University, 25-22, 25-11, 25-21, 25-21, last Saturday.

"Super proud and thankful sa mga sumuporta sa amin. I know talagang maraming pinagdaanan ang team namin this season," the libero Pepito said as she also recalled their slow start in the season.

"Happy po ako kasi kahit papaano, naka-podium finish kami, 'yun nga happy pa rin kami kasi maraming teams ang may gusto ng Final Four yet kami 'yung nandito. Super happy and thank you sa lahat ng suporta."

Middle blocker Abbu echoed Pepito's post-season thoughts.

"Super proud din sa teammates ko, sa coaches ko kasi alam namin na tinrabaho namin and grabe ang sacrifices na binuhos namin," she said.

"Sobrang grateful pa rin kasi maraming may gusto sa kung nasaan kami ngayon."

Detdet Pepito and Pia Abbu on UST’s season and their plans after @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/Z9D4lzN1l3

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 3, 2025

However, will they use their last playing year next season?

"We'll see," both players said.

For now, they will turn their focus to their academics as the semester nears its end.

UST finished with a 9-5 record, tied with La Salle, at the end of the elimination round. However, UST fell to La Salle in the playoff for the twice-to-beat bonus.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News