UST captain and libero Detdet Pepito during a game against NU in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas captain Detdet Pepito had mixed feelings after playing against longtime friend and National University star Bella Belen possibly for a final time in the UAAP on Sunday.
“To be honest, ‘di ko po alam kung matutuwa ako o maiiyak… Sana mag-pro ka na,” said Pepito in jest following their five-set loss at the hands of the Lady Bulldogs at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. “Sana inisip mo na lang ‘yong nangyari kanina!” (Maybe you should’ve thought about what happened earlier!)
Belen, who had said that Season 87 would be her last, led defending champion and top seed NU to a thrilling win over Pepito and UST, with 26 points, 17 excellent digs and 13 receptions.
READ: UAAP: NU escapes, forces UST to playoff vs La Salle for bonus
E KUNG INISIP MO BESPREN MO, BELLA? 😕
Detdet Pepito humorously talks about what could be her final matchup with close friend and NU star Bella Belen. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/2ozvT4vnYS
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) April 27, 2025
“I’m very proud of Bella because I saw her sacrifices from elementary until now and it’s all paying off,” Pepito said.
“Whenever we’re on the court, we’re very serious but I’m happy that they’re [NU] waiting right now [for the Final Four]. We still want to face them in the Finals.”
The two, who were teammates in elementary, however, could still end up facing each other in championship round.
Unlike Belen, Pepito won’t have much rest before the start of the Final Four with the Golden Tigresses set for playoff clash with the La Salle Lady Spikers on Wednesday with the winner earning the No. 2 seed and the last twice-to-beat incentive.
Belen and the Lady Bulldogs, meanwhile, take on the fourth-ranked Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the other Final Four bracket.
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