UST spikers getting PMA-inspired buildup

University of Santo Tomas is taking a page from the Philippine Military Academy playbook as it sets up a training camp up north to prepare for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's volleyball tournament.

The Tigresses are traveling to Baguio for a weeklong training and team building at the PMA from 3 to 9 January.

UST is scheduled to play tune-up games against a selection of PMA volleyball players according to head coach Kungfu Reyes.

He added that aside from building chemistry and improving the skills of his players, he wants his wards to observe and emulate the discipline of cadets in the country's premier military school.

The mentor hopes that it will serve as inspiration for Tigresses as they set their sights on claiming the title that eluded the Espana-based squad since winning it all in Season 72 back in 2010.

"We want to train them holistically, not just to improve their volleyball skills but also to build their character," Reyes said.

UST finished fourth in Season 84 last year in the return of UAAP action after a three-year pandemic hiatus.

The Tigresses joined the Shakey's Super League Collegiate Preseason Championship and the V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge during the offseason.

Reyes liked what he saw from his team in the two pre-season tournaments.

"We're right on track with our preparation. We still have to confirm when the league will start but just as I've said we're moving in the right direction as far as our training is concerned," Reyes said.

The UST coach in an earlier interview with the Daily Tribune said that he faces a good problem in selecting players for his final roster.

Although a handful of veterans like Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez are sure to make a comeback, Reyes' coaching staff is currently assessing the performance of the players in its pool to determine which will see action this season.

UST also boasts of promising rookies in Xyza Gula and Regina Jurado, who displayed great potential during the SSL, while Season 84 Covid reserves Pierre Abellana and Athena Abbu also made their case of earning slots to the main roster.