University of Santo Tomas’ Detdet Pepito in UAAP Seaosn 87 women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA — Detdet Pepito and Pia Abbu did all they could, but came up short in their bid to keep University of Santo Tomas' campaign alive in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball Final 4.
Pepito scattered 25 digs and 14 receptions, while Abbu provided help by delivering five points and a dig, but the Golden Tigresses fell short against the Taft towers of De La Salle University on Sunday.
READ: La Salle takes down UST, sets up Finals clash vs. National U
Yet even with UST falling short of their championship aspirations once more, the two graduating aces said they still had a lot to be grateful for from their recently concluded campaign.
"Super proud and thankful pa rin po sa lahat ng mga sumuporta sa amin," said Pepito. "Marami po kaming pinagdaanan this season, pero hindi po kami nag give up."
"Happy pa rin kasi kahit papano, naka-podium finish pa rin kami. Maraming teams yung gustong mag Final 4, yet kami pa rin po yung nandito," added the UST team captain, as Abbu expressed similar sentiments.
"Alam namin na tinrabaho namin at grabe yung sacrifices namin, so sobrang grateful pa rin kami. Hindi lahat nabibigyan ng opportunity na umabot dito," Abbu said.
Throughout the entirety of Season 87, Pepito was the second-best in digging with a 4.11 average per set, and was also fourth in receptions with 42.43% efficiency.
University of Santo Tomas’ Pia Abbu in action in UAAP Seaosn 87 women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.
Abbu, while having top scorers Angge Poyos (275), Reg Jurado (244), Marga Altea (94), and Beth Hilongo (87) alongside her as UST's top scorers, still managed to stand out by posting a total of 84 points which was built on 58 attacks, 22 blocks, and four aces.
Much like how they impressed this season, these numbers would be of great help to the Tigresses' program in the pair's final year of eligibility in Season 88.
It remains to be seen, however, if Abbu and Pepito will return for one last ride with UST.
"We'll see po," shared Pepito. "We'll see, gaya gaya po ako," continued Abbu.
What is certain is that they have already left their legacies in España both on and off the taraflex.
"Ever since naman, values yung pinaka importante. So happy ako kasi kahit papano, at sana na-instill namin yung values na meron silang respeto kahit sa mga guards, sa mga janitors, at sa mga alumni," said Pepito.
In the meantime, Detdet and Pia are turning their focus on completing their academics.
"Acads po muna and OJT, kasi Finals week rin namin," said Abbu. "Pag-aaral ang isa pang priority namin."
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