UST ends its UAAP Season 88 campaign with a bronze medal. Coming into this season, I bet every USTWVT fan believed that this was the strongest lineup post-pandemic. With a new head coach, the community believed that this season might be the best one to date.
With UST also hosting this season, the pressure increased as volleyball fans thought that UST might finally win the championship after 16 long years. However, starting the season with two losses, many speculated that UST might not make it to the Final Four, as other teams showcased their strength and power, leaving UST in the lower ranks.
But with dedication and hard work, UST managed to keep the competition tight, ending up tied with FEU for fourth place. A knockout game followed, and UST won in four sets, securing the fourth seed and completing the Final Four lineup.
As DLSU swept the elimination round, a stepladder format was implemented. A long road awaited the team. UST faced AdU in their first game of the stepladder. Coming into the match, fans were nervous because UST had not won against AdU in the elimination round. Still, UST supporters placed their trust in the team, hoping that this time, the favor would be on UST’s side.
Surprisingly, UST delivered a convincing performance, sweeping AdU and securing a podium finish. Next stop: NU vs. UST. Unfortunately, UST fell short against the defending champions.
As UST’s season came to an end, an era also closed. Detdet Pepito, the libero and team captain of UST, finished her collegiate career with a bronze medal.
The team may have fallen short this season, but one thing is certain: despite the doubts from fans and even within the team, UST still managed to bag the bronze and remain a consistent Final Four contender.
I love you, USTWVT. I’m proud of you all. Thank you for fighting, believing in your skills, and loving the sport. Always remember that we’re here.
Until your next season (may it be offseason), Go USTe!
