BY Gwen Bergado
WHEN you talk about University of Santo Tomas' offense and defense, you talk about Angge Poyos and Detdet Pepito, respectively.
While it is inarguable that Poyos' highlight-reel hard hits and Pepito's mop-like cleaning of the taraflex keep the Golden Tigresses' engine running in UAAP Season 87, also undeniable are the contributions made by Reg Jurado.
As she flies under the radar, the now-fourth-year winger remains an impact player all over the floor.
Case in point, in the black-and-gold's four-set victory vs. Adamson on Saturday, she tallied an all-around 17 points built on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, on top of seven digs and seven receptions.
READ: UST withstands white-hot Nitura for third win in a row
“Mas gusto ko po na all-around,” Jurado shared after their third win in a row, which upped her averages to 16.5 points, 5.75 digs, and 2.0 receptions
“At the end of the day, ang importante po para sa akin ay makapag-contribute sa laro in all aspects.”
Anong masasabi ng Jurado?
Contributing in all aspects also includes improving her leadership as a veteran for last year's silver medalists, who feature a mostly-intact core, but nonetheless still parade promising fresh faces in the likes of Marga Altea and Maribeth Hilongo.
“'Di ba po, medyo ano ako, tahimik. So ayun po, ii-improve ko pa yung pagiging vocal ko sa court. Lalo na marami kaming mga bata na need ng guidance,” the 5-foot-7 opposite hitter said.
Indeed, while she's known to let her game do the talking for her, she needs to share the big burden of leadership with skipper Pepito and setter Cassie Carballo if UST is to get over the hump, at long last.
The good news is that both mentally and physically, Jurado is as prepared as she's ever been to take on greater responsibilities.
In fact, her fitter physique is already very much noticeable, especially compared to her first two seasons when she, of course, looked very much her age.
“Yung weights and strength and conditioning program po, pati yung proper recovery. Saka ‘yung consistent na pag-take ng supplements, which hindi ko nagagawa consistently last season,” she said, all while lauding the Golden Tigresses staff for their work on not only her, but all of the team.
The jury's long been out on Jurado being a key piece to the puzzle for Espana. Whether or not she makes noise for herself remains far from her mind - what matters is doing whatever it takes to contribute wherever she can.
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