WITH an unbeaten mark early in the tourney, University of Santo Tomas is adopting an all-out mantra every game, according to Golden Tigresses coach Kungfu Reyes.
“Actually, ang mentality talaga na ini-instill namin sa kanila kung sinong kalaban na nandiyan ilalaban namin iyong laro kasi kung maglalaro lang kami hindi kami mananalo,” Reyes said. “Every game, every point na ilalaban namin may possibility na manalo so iyong discipline namin and determination tsaka iyong deliberate na paulit-ulit naming sinasabi.
“During attack deliberate iyong ibinibigay namin sa kalaban namin. Iyong discipline nandyan sa depensa and iyon nga down by two kailangan maging determined namin na makuha ang bawat puntos, every set hanggang sa makuha namin iyong game,” he added.
Reyes spoke after UST fashioned a thrilling 22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-7 victory over Far Eastern University last Sunday night in the 86th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.
The stirring triumph allowed the España-based belles to stay unscathed with a 4-0 card but not without a fight from the gritty Lady Tamaraws.
“Mabigat iyong bakbakan ever since naman hindi nawawala iyong old rivalry ng UST and FEU,” Reyes said. “Pinaghandaan namin ito siyempre high respect sa team ng FEU iyon na nga ine-expect namin itong ganitong bakbakan.
“Luckily nakabalik kami sa sistema na mayroon kami at pinanghawakan ng mga players namin kahit hirap na hirap noong first two sets talagang hinahanap nila iyong rhythm na kung anong mayroon kami noong third, fourth and fifth.”
Newcomer Angeline Poyos dazzled anew for the Tigresses with 24 points built on 21 attacks, while Margaret Banagua chipped in 15 markers on four blocks.