FANGIRLING MOMENTS: Supporting University of Santo Tomas Women's Volleyball Team in the UAAP Season 87

Good day, hivers! It's been a while, right? Here I am, back again with another blog! Have you ever had someone you idolized so much, whether it's a person or something else? In what field did you idolize them? Today, I will be sharing with all of you the reason why I kept myself busy these past few months.

I have mentioned in my intro to blog that I played the sports volleyball. It has been a year since I haven't played it and I missed including it in my routine, but I don't have that plenty of time. But all the problems have solutions, right? So, to feed my longing, I've been watching UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) season 87 and keep track of it every week. Honestly, all of the teams were undeniably skillful, but the UST women's volleyball team captured my heart. The way they poured so much effort and their hearts into every single match they have is something that inspires me.

I couldn't watch them play for a while because it was holy week. After that, it is their match against the UP (University of the Philippines) women's volleyball team, and so I wanted to take this moment of my fangirling to be remembered, which is why I was able to write this blog.

THE START

Nothing's really important when the show started, the anchor and the analyst were just there talking about the team's individual rankings, rates, and many more while the teams are warming up. Some of the players on each team were also given a glimpse and after that, back to the conversation of the commentor again.

After minutes of talking, finally it was time to introduce the starters for each team. It started first with the UST Golden Tigresses, the womens in yellow. I literally screamed that time because of the nervous and excitement. I was really praying last night that they would win this match against the UP for them to be able to secure their final four spot.

Next, the spotlight was given to the UP Fighting Maroons. Their starting line-up was really strong, one of the best middle blockers was among their team, which is a threat to every team.

SET 1

Now, the real game begins! My attention was all focused on the game, bearing that nervousness and excitement within me.

At first attempt, the UP Fighting Maroons gain the first point of the match with an attack from their middle blocker. That moment, I was like thinking about it as a real threat, it was just the beginning and yet the middle blockers were immediately activated. I was shouting at the back "bawi, bawi" and had my hopes up.

Thankfully, the UST, with their "never back down" nature able to secure a four-point lead later in the set. Talking about blockings, Em Banagua from the UST team showed her best from the beginning, showing the opponent that she's a threat, too. They were able to lead those points also because of their unbelievable floor defense and attacks, all credit to their setter (the girl in the picture above, and also my bias).

Later on, that four points led to seven, which was then announced as the biggest lead of the set. The UST team was able to keep that lead on until the end of the set, which made them win the first set with the score 25-20.

SET 2

Then, the second set sails. The UST team couldn't start it good, giving UP team the advantage of 3 points lead. At first, the sets of the UST team was well read by the UP team that is why they are able to block well, strengthening their walls.

But of course, the UST team didn't give up. That lead of the UP team eventually cut off and was replaced later on the set. The UST team hopefully regained their momentum and were able to score very well. The spikers also did a great job of having that high gaming IQ, turning every spike into scores.

My nervousness disappeared when the UST team sents the set point at 24-20. One more spike and then they won set number two with the point 25-21. I'm so happy that they were able to won two straight sets and praying so hard to win the next set so that they will win the match without getting very exhausted.

SET 3

The set 3, the final set for UST team to close this match and the final set for the UP team to win and continue their legacy. It was a do or die set for UP team so they must give their best that is why they scored the first point of set 3.

But sadly for them, the UST team later on build a two points lead. The UST team, based on their performance in this set, were really eager to close this match and so they worked very hard from spikes to defense just to take every score. Eventually, that two points lead rise up to nine points, announced again as the biggest lead of the set.

And then finally, the UST team puts the match to its end, scoring 25-18. I was happy for the answered prayer. Now, the UST team has finally secured its spot in the final four. But that means that the UP team lost their hope in gaining a spot for the final four, which is every team's wish to achieve; it was a sad ending for them.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

The time I was anticipating, announcing the player of the game. Of course, I was expecting Em Banagua from the UST team to be the one. She scored 12 points with 8 incredible blocks in just three sets! That was amazing and a jaw-dropping one, congrats to her!

As a die-hard fan of the USTWVT, I couldn't contain my happiness as I watched them win another game and be able to continue their path in the UAAP season 87. I'm particularly fond of watching Cassie Carballo, my bias, with her impressive sets, sometimes blocks, and serves. As I was able to witness the progress of the season, I am eagerly looking forward to what the future holds for this talented and skillful team.

How about you, dear hiver? Do you, by any chance, experience watching UAAP too? If so, what team did you once, or until now, cheer for? I'd love to hear if we have the same!