UAAP: UST captain Pepito still unsure of return for final year
UST captain libero Detdet Pepito turns emotional after a loss to La Salle in UAAP women’s volleyball Final Four.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Captain libero Detdet Pepito will take her time to ponder if she plays one more year with the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses after their heartbreaking Final Four exit in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
Pepito left everything on the floor with 25 digs and 14 excellent receptions only for UST to fall to the twice-to-beat La Salle, 22-25, 25-11, 21-25, 21-25. Right after the defeat, Pepito shed tears in front of 11,000 fans on Saturday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: UAAP: La Salle Lady Spikers oust UST, set up Finals duel vs NU
Detdet Pepito and Pia Abbu will take their time to decide if they’ll return to UST next season. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/FYorLQOdVr
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 3, 2025
After a lengthy team meeting at the dugout, Pepito with fellow graduating player Pia Abbu were showered with love as the UST fans and members were chanting “one more year” until they entered the bus before midnight struck.
Pepito, who was sentimental before poking fun by interviewing the reporters, said she’s unsure about returning for one last run with the Tigresses next year.
“We’ll see,” Pepito told reporters. “Of course, we need to make up for the time we missed, academics and our OJT.”
Pepito, though, has a lot of reasons to come back.
“Definitely the coaches, Father (Rodel Cansansio), my teammates, and the UST community—it’s really something else. The support we get is on another level,” she said.
READ: UAAP: Detdet Pepito juggles UST duties and teaching kids
UST chants one more year for Detdet Pepito and Pia Abbu. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/x2AQuMtI3g
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 3, 2025
“Like what Ate Eya (Laure) said is true: ‘The UAAP is different.’ It really is, and so is the way UST supports us. So, of course, we still want to experience that… but we’ll see,” added Pepito, who was still grateful for the Tigresses’ podium finish.
If Season 87 is her last, Pepito hopes her biggest legacy will be her leadership, instilling the UST core values to the whole team.
“Ever since I started, I’ve always believed that values are what matter most. As a UST player, I’m proud that hopefully, we were able to instill those values in the younger players, especially respect for everyone: the guards, the janitors, the alumni,” said Pepito, a UST lifer from high school to college.
“The biggest one is being humble and grateful for everything we receive and everything that happens to us. I’m especially thankful to Coach KungFu (Reyes) and Coach Ian (Fernandez) for believing in me. I was really stubborn back in high school. There were times I wanted to give up, but they helped me push through. And where I am now is because of them.”
Pepito and Abbu remained proud of their team despite failing to return to the Finals.
READ: UAAP: Pepito pokes fun at possible final game vs bestie Belen
Detdet Pepito and Pia Abbu after their #UAAPSeason87 campaign ends with a bronze. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/5iGd0AF0rF
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 3, 2025
“I’m super proud of my teammates and my coaches. We all know how much work and sacrifices we put into this. We couldn’t be with our families. We couldn’t leave because we had to train. But despite everything, I’m still really grateful,” said Abbu, who had five points.
“Like our coaches always say, a lot of people wish they were in our place right now, and not everyone gets the chance to reach the Final Four. So we’re thankful we even got the bronze.”
Pepito also wished her best friend and childhood teammate Bella Belen good luck as National University takes on La Salle in a best-of-three Finals series starting Sunday.
“Bella, I’m super proud of you. I’m happy it’s still you in the Finals. Good luck, Bella, I hope your exit turns out well. I’m so proud of you as your BFF.”
