CAGAYAN DE ORO — The UST Junior Golden Tigresses have aggressively retooled their roster, welcoming 17 new student-athletes as they prepare for the upcoming UAAP Season 89 volleyball tournament. Following the graduation of key veterans from the previous campaign, the team’s coaching staff scouted extensively across the archipelago to secure a diverse pool of talent from various provinces. This massive infusion of fresh blood is designed to maintain the program's competitive standing in the girls' division while providing a long-term foundation for the future of Thomasian volleyball. Fans and scouts alike are eager to see how these young recruits will mesh with the returning core as they aim to improve upon their previous season’s performance.
Scouting Nationwide For Elite Volleyball Talent And New Potential
This year’s recruitment class is notable for its geographic variety, with players hailing from provinces as far as Ilocos Norte, Davao, and Aklan. Headlining the outside hitter rotation are 5-foot-10 standouts Lyzah Moreno from Cagayan de Oro City and Ryza Sespeñe of Antique, who bring significant height and power to the wing positions. The team also secured defensive stability by signing two highly-touted liberos: Janine Espiritu, the former Best Libero from the University of Perpetual Help, and Lanah Orilla of Tarlac. By expanding their recruitment reach, the Junior Golden Tigresses have effectively diversified their talent pool, ensuring that the team is equipped with versatile players capable of adapting to various tactical setups.
Strengthening Core Rotations Through Targeted Position Replacements
The influx of 17 new players was necessary to fill the void left by the departure of 14 key contributors from the UAAP Season 88 lineup. Among those who have moved on are several high-impact graduates, including former team captain Kim Rubin, who is transitioning to the collegiate level with the main Golden Tigresses squad. To address these gaps, the coaching staff bolstered the middle blocker corps with the addition of five new players, including Ma. Aranel Gutierrez and Anneli Manzanillo, both standing at 5-foot-10 or taller. This size upgrade, combined with new opposite hitters like Jhamielle Cadua and Kaite Cruz, suggests that the team is prioritizing a more physical and imposing front-row presence this season.
Preparing For The Upcoming Competitive Challenges Ahead
As the UAAP Season 89 approaches, the focus for the coaching staff is now on integrating these newcomers into the Thomasian system. The team’s training sessions are expected to emphasize cohesion and tactical versatility, as the new players adjust to the intensity of high school’s premier collegiate league. With the departures finalized and the new roster secured, the Junior Golden Tigresses are positioning themselves to remain a formidable force in the girls’ division. For the student-athletes, this period represents an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Thomasian sports while enjoying the vibrant food, cafe scenes, and famous local landmarks near their new training grounds in Manila.
