UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas hopes to extend its winning run when it clashes with University of the East in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The Tigresses, who started the season with a 1-3 slate, finished the first round of eliminations with three consecutive victories.
UST coach Kungfu Reyes hope the Tigresses can capitalize on their high morale and sustain their winning form to win back fan support for a much-needed boost to their Final Four campaign.
“Nararamdaman na kasi nila na talagang may pinupuntahan kung ano ang pinaghihirapan namin,” he said.
“Hopefully unti-unti na bumalik si UST community at saka mga fans din na hindi taga-UST bumalik din,” added Reyes. “Ito na ang team na nag-struggle ng madaming panahon, na mabugbog na sa lait. Pero sabi ko nga, naramdaman niyo na ang sakit, gawin niyo na lang motivation.”
Meanwhile, UE is coming off its first win of the season after a four-set victory over listless Adamson University.
Team captain Shaya Adorador hopes to ride the momentum.
“Mas confident na po and ang momentum nandiyan na,” she said.
“‘Yung mga tao na nagi-inspire sa amin and siyempre isinasapuso namin lahat," said Adorador, who also thanked their supporters for keeping their spirits up through tough times.
"Sobrang laking tulong nila (supporters) para sa amin,” she added.
Adorador, though, must get some help from her teammates to match the intensity of UST hitters Sisi Rondina, EJ Laure and Mary Dominique Pacres.