AND still, Detdet Pepito isn't about to go pro. University of Santo Tomas just won't let her.
The Golden Tigresses have scratched and clawed their way into staying alive even longer in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball thanks to a convincing straight-sets victory, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19 vs. upstart Adamson, Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum.
The black-and-gold was once on the brink of elimination, at which point graduating skipper Pepito pleaded her teammates to not let her go pro just yet.
They heeded their call in the knockout bout for No. 4 against Far Eastern University and four days later, turned in another strong showing.
It was quite the stunning turnaround for UST, which didn't win a single set against Shaina Nitura's crew in the eliminations.
This one was the exact opposite, as Angge Poyos and Co. were in complete command from the get-go and closed the playoff game in just 82 minutes.
Got it all covered
The Lady Falcons didn't even breach the 20-point marker, as the Golden Tigresses' defense was on-point, suffocating Nitura to just 13 points and all of their opponents to jaw-dropping eight-percent attacking efficiency.
Of course, Pepito was key to the game plan and delivered the goods with 16 digs and nine receptions.
"Hindi namin in-expect na ganito kabilis yung laro, pero happy talaga kasi tiyinaga namin," she told reporters afterwards, continuing to savor her last days in the league.
On offense, Poyos unloaded 17 points, all but two coming from spikes, as Reg Jurado and Jonna Perdido chimed in 13 and 10 markers, respectively.
"Credit talaga sa players namin. Grabe yung effort na ginawa. We're so happy and proud na nakuha ito," said shot-caller Shaq delos Santos.
The Golden Tigresses remain in a must-win situation, as they turn their attention to two-time defending champion National U. But now, one more win and they advance to the finals, where undefeated La Salle awaits.
Nitura topped the scoring column for Adamson, as Frances Mordi was its only other double-digit scorer with 11 points, albeit in 12-percent efficiency.
READ: Shaina Nitura set for coronation as UAAP Season 88 MVP
Unable to extend their dominance over UST from the elims, they bow out of their postseason in four years.
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