Kungfu Reyes sees no end in UST’s title hunger after another lost bid
Rob Andrew Dongiapon
“Hindi kami titigil.”
After falling short of another title chance, UST Golden Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes has little to no time to relent in the grind for the next women’s volleyball championship of the España-based crew, citing the team’s mentality and the persistent attitude instilled by the University.
“Ang tagal ko nang hindi nagcha-champion pero hindi naman ako tumigil… So once na tumigil kami, doon kami matatalo,” said Reyes.
Reyes entered the Golden Tigresses in 2016 and has only made it into the finals once — -back in 2019, where they faltered against the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Since then, the Golden Tigresses have reached just as far as one game into the final four; losing versus Ateneo via stepladder in 2022, and against DLSU Lady Spikers this year.
In that six-year stretch where Reyes was at the helm, the Golden Tigresses have only missed out of the final four twice — first in his rookie coaching year in 2016, and last in 2018.
“Nandito kami, for the longest time, at least, nandito kami sa top four, pero hindi kami nagse-settle for less kasi lahat naman ng teams ganun din ang gusto,” Reyes told the media after their four-set loss against La Salle.
“Siyempre, hindi kami titigil mangarap [at] matuto. Every season may struggle, pero may mga pagkakataon naman na umaangat,” he added.
UST last tasted the women’s volleyball title way back in 2010 under head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who is currently the head tactician of the UP Lady Maroons.
The Golden Tigresses will also deal with the departure of seniors KC Galdones and Milena Alessanrini, while star spiker Eya Laure’s future with the team remains hanging in the balance.
Moving forward, Reyes looks to beef up the roster through better talent recruitment while fostering the experiences that were picked up by the new players this season.
“Kailangan namin mag-level up, especially sa recruitment, kasi nga, sabi ko, small but terrible naman tayo. Pero in the end, kailangan namin maghanap ulit ng bagong talents,” said Reyes as the team enters the offseason.
UST has a solid young core to build upon this season with the likes of first year players Renee Penafiel, Xyza Gula, Pia Abbu, Jonna Perdido, Pierre Abellana, Regina Jurado, and setter Cassie Carballo.
Meanwhile, Janna Torres, Maji Mangulabnan, libero Bernadett Pepito, and Imee Hernandez will still have numerous playing years left for UST.
“Hindi kami tumitigil para sa mga batang gustong mangarap din, at makaapak dito sa UAAP,” said Reyes.
