IT wasn't the perfect send-off for graduating UST hitters in Pam Lastimosa and Chloe Cortez but they are happy nonetheless with how their journey turned out.
Despite playing smaller roles in their final year, they insist that it's the lessons that they learned along the way that truly matters.
"It was one very memorable journey," said Lastimosa after the Tigresses bowed out with a four-set loss to defending champion La Salle Lady Spikers.
[See La Salle Lady Archers back in finals after disposing of UST Tigresses]
"It didn't make me a good player lang, but it also molded me into a better person and madami akong natutunan talaga, na hindi ko lang magagamit as a player pero magagamit ko rin as a person in real life."
Cortez echoed the same sentiments.
"Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga coaches ko and sa teammates ko cause di lang nila ako minold as a player, dahil sa kanila nagmature ako sa life pero siyempre lahat ng bagay natatapos," said Cortez.
The two veterans also believe they are leaving the team in good hands.
"Sobrang malaki potential nila. Tignan niyo yung batch nila EJ (Laure). Sobrang alam ko na malayo pa mararating nila. Support support nalang sa gilid," Cortez added.
Lastimosa also said it wouldn't be surprising if the team surpasses the No. 3 semifinal seeding.
"I believe in them, sobrang tiwala ko sa kanila, and I know na ma-dodoble pa nila kung ano yung nagawa namin ngayon sa season na 'to," she said.
Now the two can focus on the commercial leagues, although Lastimosa has yet to commit to a club or league.
"For sure naman I'll still be playing volleyball," Lastimosa said.
Cortez was a bit more specific.
"I'm still gonna play. Sa PSL. Ayun."