Back on track, Tigresses search for consistency
University of Santo Tomas (UST) can breathe a little easier now.
The Tigresses halted a three-game slide in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament and, with the other results falling into place, find themselves with a better hold of a spot in the top four.
But even with an adequate 6-4 (win-loss) standing, those inside the UST team know there’s so much that they can do better.
“What I want the team to show is consistency,” Reg Jurado told the Inquirer after helping UST snap out of its slump via a 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 27-25, 15-8 escape act against Adamson on Wednesday night.
“We are showing that we can win, like we start strong, but in the following sets we lose our way,” Jurado, who had 20 points against the Lady Falcons, added. “That’s why our games are taking so long to finish.”
She’s not even just guessing. The numbers back her.
The Tigresses have played 43 sets so far in this tournament. That’s the most by any team so far this season, with all schools having played the same number of matches. Only one other squad has played at least 40 sets this season: University of the Philippines, with 41.
UST also had played through four five-setters thus far, the most among the teams in the top four.
In the España-based crew’s six victories, it has only won in straight sets once.
At times, watching the Tigresses play feels like watching two different teams seeing action for UST. They have started out strong, winning their opening set more than half the time in 10 games. And, sometimes inexplicably, they shut themselves down.
“We just need consistency like how we start—how strong or good we are in the beginning is how we should be playing until the end,” said Jurado, who has emerged as the No. 2 scoring option for UST behind younger teammate Angge Poyos.
In losses to National U and La Salle, UST ran off with the opening set.
But Jurado voiced the same sentiment coach KungFu Reyes previously shared with the Inquirer. There wasn’t a sense of panic or worry within the team after that slide. If any, that only prompted the Tigresses to go all out in an attempt to snatch a twice-to-beat advantage as the tail end of the elimination looms.
“We’re looking at the brighter side of things, which is we need to win in our remaining games, especially the last game for the second round to maintain our position [in the top four], and maybe there is a possible chance to get the second spot,” Jurado said.
And UST is in good hands with the lefty Jurado refusing to let her team down whether in wins or losses, as she also demands consistency from herself.
“I am happy that I am becoming someone that they can rely on, especially in crucial and heavy games,” Jurado said. “I am hoping that we become more consistent. It’s normal to have off games like what happened to Angge.
“But what’s important is how we recover and rise up from the problems or challenges that we face.”
