It's UAAP Season 88 Volleyball Sunday featuring the depending champion clash against UST Golden Tigresses in the women's meanwhile 6x time men's volleyball champion NU Bulldogs faces usual nemesis UST Tigresses. This is a much-watch collegiate volleyball games.
Adamson and Ateneo clash in the earlier games both on men's and women's.
Detdet Pepito eyes nothing but a championship for University of Santo Tomas as she enters her swan song in the upcoming UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.
“Championship. We’re not talking about second or third place anymore—it’s about the championship,” Pepito told reporters in Filipino.
“We’re one of the teams with a solid lineup and only lost a few players, so this is our best chance to win it all.”
With a title or bust mindset, Pepito admitted she feels a lot of pressure.
“I really felt the nerves and the pressure. But I’ve always loved that kind of pressure. I just have to make sure I bounce back and deliver for my team this season,” said Pepito.
The graduating libero was a vital part of the Tigresses’ silver medal finish in 2024, only to miss the finals last year, where UST was booted out by La Salle in the Final Four to settle for bronze.
Pepito was pleased with their preseason preparation, but a stronger competition awaits them this year with defending champion National University, La Salle, Far Eastern University, Adamson, and University of the Philippines.
“I’m also happy because all the teams are competitive now. Everyone has something to bring, which makes it more exciting. They each have different systems, and we’re excited to learn from playing against them,” she said.
“We still have a lot to improve, but the system and movement are already there. It’s not just about polishing our skills—we also need to focus on the mental aspect this season.”
Although Em Banagua will sit out this season due to a knee injury, Pepito said others are ready to step up to fill in the void. The Tigresses also get a big boost with the return of vital cogs Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, who both missed Season 87. Perdido and Gula were sidelined due to an ACL injury and a fractured tailbone, respectively.
“They’ve been a huge help. Last season wasn’t easy, and we couldn’t have done it without them. It’s not just their skills—it’s their experience and leadership that really make a difference,” Pepito said.
“Everyone can contribute. Before, when someone was out, the team struggled. Now, even if one or two players are missing or busy, someone can step in and still perform at 100 percent to help the team.”
Pepito and the Tigresses open their campaign against the Lady Bulldogs on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
