THE UNIVERSITY of Sto. Tomas (UST) Lady Tigresses hopes to reclaim the throne they ruled once before vacating it two years ago as they compete in the 9th Shakey’s V-League with a new roster, a new system under a new mentor.
At the helm now is head coach Odjie Mamon, who took over the coaching mantle last year. Fortunately for Mamon, he still has many superb weapons led by the infusion of Mary Jane Balse and Thai Kunbang Pornpimol.
A former MVP, Balse’s experience and leadership will indeed be a big factor for UST’s campaign together with Pornpimol’s power.
But the road back to championship will be bumpy with Mamon hoping to motivate and draw the best from his rookie-laden team that had struggled to keep itself in competitive form.
Tipped to provide added firepower are Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Maruja Banaticla, Judy Caballero and Jamie Morado with support from Midori Hirotsuji, Katrina Carangan, Ingrid Reyes, Tricia Lastimosa, Ma. Carmela Tunay, Jan Dusaran, Ma. Loren Lantin, Laine de Leon and Jen Amar.
UST is hoping to duplicate the feat they achieved in 2007 when they came back after missing Season 3 and swept the two-conference Season 4 of the league organized by Sports Vision.
UST opted to skip the league in the second conference of Season 7 due to graduation of its key players and after scoring a three-conference sweep that raised its title conquest to six. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio