Pepito, Carballo praise UST young guns for shining in high-pressure UAAP campaign

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

UST leaders Detdet Pepito and Cassie Carballo shine a light on unsung heroes like rookie Marga Altea and sophomore Beth Hilongo as the shorthanded Tigresses still plow through other contenders like La Salle in UAAP Season 87

MANILA, Philippines – In high stakes games between two championship contenders, coaches usually play their usual stars heavy minutes for the simple reasons of more firepower, more familiarity, and less mistakes.

UST, however, does not have that luxury in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, as the Espana-based squad is missing two key pieces in wingers Xyza Gula and Jonna Perdido.

Facing off against rival La Salle in a blockbuster affair on Wednesday, February 27, the Golden Tigresses needed all the manpower they could get, as the Lady Spikers forced them down a 2-1 set hole, eventually leading to a deciding fifth frame.

And thanks to young guns like Beth Hilongo and Marga Altea, UST’s core was able to stay fresh in crunch time, with usual suspects Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, Cassie Carballo and Detdet Pepito taking turns to fend off mighty La Salle for the fourth straight time dating back to their opening-round match last year.

Carballo and Pepito, in particular, couldn’t be prouder of their young role players, as without their contributions, the shorthanded Golden Tigresses wouldn’t be in the position they are now: firmly in early contention with the key results to back up the claim.

“I’m super proud because as we always remind them, they have nothing to lose because they’re rookies in their first year,” Carballo, the reigning UAAP Best Setter, said in Filipino. “They just have to keep doing their jobs heading to our next games.”

“Same, I’m just so proud,” added Pepito, two-time reigning Best Libero, in Filipino. “I never let them down on the court because someone needs to push them but not let them feel down with rookie mistakes. We help one another get their confidence up because we can do it in training. Why not in games?”

After Poyos’ game-high 28 points against La Salle and Jurado’s 17, Altea was third in scoring for UST with 10 off 7 attacks and 3 blocks, including a highlight hit deep in the fifth set that gave the Golden Tigresses a precious two-point separation, 13-11.

Hilongo, meanwhile, was fourth with 5 points off attacks, each one crucial in helping send La Salle to its worst season start in 19 years.

Moving forward, Altea, Hilongo, and other prospects like middle blockers Em Banagua and Blessing Unekwe will likely be called upon more to keep UST’s precious core ready for more big moments ahead of another push towards title contention.

The numbers may not always pop out, but their importance will always outweigh what raw statistics will ever provide. – Rappler.com