HOURS before University of Santo Tomas’ fifth straight win in UAAP Season 87 over Ateneo, the entire Golden Tigresses squad sat in a hallway inside the Mall of Asia Arena adjacent to the press room and team dugouts.
The sound of team captain Detdet Pepito delivering what seemed to be a pre-game pep talk can be heard, albeit indistinctly, as she rallies her streaking team on.
The UST skipper said the huddle was in no way one-way, describing it as more of an open forum where the Golden Tigresses exchange insights, tactical notes and raw emotions before they enter the taraflex.
READ UST extends streak to five after romp over Ateneo
“Every before game, talagang nagkakaroon kami ng routine na nagssharing kami sa mga viewing (sessions),” Pepito said. “May viewing po kami and after, may notes kami. Before every game, shine-share namin sa isa’t isa. Last season pa talaga namin siyang routine at nagiging effective naman so far.”
The UST senior knew the pre-game routine was necessary to keep themselves focused and ease the pressure that comes with high expectations after a silver-medal finish last season.
“Nu’ng una po kasing game namin (against FEU), parang pinressure namin yung sarili namin sa team namin na silver tayo last season, ganyan. After nu’n, na-realize namin na hindi pala naging healthy, o helpful yung ganung mindset na ipressure yung sarili,” Pepito said.
“This time, naglalaro lang kami na nag-eenjoy lang kami at nags-stick lang kami sa sistema.”
While the team does talk about numbers and statistics, one figure they aren’t keen on dwelling on is their win-loss record, currently at 5-1.
Pepito said the Tigresses are taking it one game at a time.
“Malayo pa po talaga kami […] pero ’wag muna mag-expect. ‘Di kasi talaga namin tinitignan 'yung rankings, yung win-loss (record).
“Nagfo-focus kami sa every game. Happy kasi nasa second place na (kami). Kaya sana maging mas consistent pa po kami and mas pagkatiwalaan namin yung sistema na meron yung UST.”
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