Detdet keeps pro plans close to her chest, wants ‘To extend our time in UAAP’
Detdet Pepito remained focused on their goal to keep University of Santo Tomas’ title hopes alive, as the graduating libero tries to extend her swan song when they battle Far Eastern University in a playoff for No. 4 in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In her fifth and last playing year, Pepito admits that she feels added weight in their upcoming do-or-die game for the right to face No. 3 Adamson in the stepladder semifinals.
“Of course, there’s really that added intensity. The pressure is there. It’s basically do-or-die, especially for me,” Pepito told reporters in Filipino. “Saturday’s game will be big, since it’s for a Final Four spot.”
But the two-time Best Libero will try her best to shrug off her emotions and focus on keeping the Tigresses alive by being a good example to her younger teammates.
“I’ll probably think about the bigger picture after the UAAP,” she said when asked about what lies ahead in a very promising pro career. “For now, I’m just focused on our performance and what I need to do against FEU.”
Being a good example
“I just need to show the younger players that even if it’s a big game, we still have to enjoy it,” she added. “I always say that when we’re enjoying (the game), it’s easier to win.”
The 23-year-old Pepito brought out her A-game on Wednesday with an efficient defensive outing of 20 excellent receptions out of 22 attempts and 16 digs, but UST blew a two-set lead and couldn’t clinch an outright semis ticket after National University completed a come-from-behind 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13 win.
“Little by little, we’re starting to show our usual game. But at the same time, we’re still committing our usual errors, especially in crucial moments,” said Pepito.
“We just have to stay locked in on our goal,” she said. “We need to work harder in training, fix the weaknesses we showed and come in stronger this Saturday.”
Santo Tomas, which ended the eliminations tied with FEU at 8-6, owns a season sweep of the Lady Tamaraws, but Pepito stressed that the playoff would be a different story.
And Pepito wants one thing from her team.
“I hope our players stay motivated,” she said. “I always remind them. I’m not ready to go pro yet, so let’s extend our time here in the UAAP.”
