UAAP: UST gains confidence boost ahead of crucial game vs NU

After defeating University of the Philippines in four sets on Sunday, the University of Santo Tomas now turn its full attention to Wednesday when it seeks to conquer defending champions National University and claim a coveted Final Four ticket.

Aware of the different implications that face their team heading into the final slate of second round games, Growling Tigresses assistant coach Yani Fernandez was pleased with how his girls responded and rose to the occasion.

“Super importante ‘to sa aming campaign,” said Fernandez on today’s victory versus UP.

“Ito 'yung band-aid pansamantala sa ranking and standing namin. Sinabi namin sa mga bata, ‘Bakit hindi pa natin grab 'yung opportunity sa UP [game], at least maka-one step ahead tayo sa FEU’,” he added.

Now holding an 8-5 win-loss card heading into the final day of eliminations, a win against the Lady Bulldogs or an FEU loss to Ateneo de Manila University would give the España-based squad an outright Final Four seat.

In case it suffers defeat against NU and the Lady Tamaraws claim a win against Ateneo, today's outcome ensured UST of at least a playoff for fourth place.

UST star hitter Angge Poyos shared the same sentiments as Fernandez, sharing that everyone within the Golden Tigresses camp was determined to capture victory in their penultimate elimination round game.

“Mindset lang talaga namin sa team na ibigay lang namin ‘yung best namin [at] wag na kaming magtira. 100 percent na ‘yung ibubuhos namin, hindi na kami magdududa sa sarili namin and trust sa sistema na meron kami,” said the five-foot-six player.

Poyos finished with a game-high 25 points on 24 attacks and one block, 11 excellent digs, and eight receptions.

Gaining the coaching staff’s trust in just her first season stepping on the collegiate ranks, freshman middle blocker Lianne Penuliar also provided key plays in the win against UP.

For her, being prepared for high pressure situations is one way of her repaying the utmost trust imparted on her.

“Inisip ko lang na need ko mag-contribute sa team especially d'un sa mga coaches na nagtiwala sa akin and 'yung mga teammates na nagtitiwala sa akin,” said the UST rookie, who finished with eight points on four attacks, two blocks, two service aces.

“Binigay ko effort ko talaga, like all out na talaga. Very crucial ang NU game, and confidence booster din [ito] para sa akin.”

With the mission in their bout against NU now clear, Fernandez calls for his squad to give it their best shot one more time.

“Challenge namin sa mga bata na gusto niyo pa bang mag playoff for top four, or kunin na namin yung [Final Four] spot na 'yun. So challenge ulit sa team na ibigay ang 100 percent nila sa Wednesday game.”

—JKC, GMA News