Pepito, Perdido staying with UST

University of Santo Tomas (UST) veterans Detdet Pepito and Jonna Perdido are giving it one last shot.

In a major boost for UST, the graduating captain Pepito and injured spiker Perdido have confirmed their return for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, choosing to exhaust their final year of eligibility with the Golden Tigresses.

Their decision, first revealed by Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., director and regent of the UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics.

“1 More Year,” he wrote on social media.

Pepito, 22, led UST to another Final Four finish in Season 87.

However, the Golden Tigresses fell short of a championship run after bowing to De La Salle University in a one-game playoff, having missed out on the twice-to-beat advantage.

The 5-foot-4 libero proved to be one of the league’s best floor defenders, ranking second in digs and fourth in reception. Her return signals continuity and leadership for a UST side still brimming with young talent.

Pepito’s comeback also means she will be skipping the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft set for June, a move that reinforces her commitment to the España-based squad.

Perdido, on the other hand, is eyeing redemption and recovery.

The 5-foot-6 open hitter missed the entirety of Season 87 after suffering a full ACL tear during the Golden Tigresses’ bronze medal match in the Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship late last year.

Her absence left a scoring void that rookie standout Angge Poyos and wing spiker Reg Jurado had to fill throughout the season.

Perdido was instrumental in UST’s Season 86 finals appearance and her return could be the missing piece for a deeper playoff push.