Low-key Regina Jurado finding her voice as UST’s new leader

HIGH FIVE. Regina Jurado (2nd left, 18) in action for the UST Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament. UAAP Now the UST Golden Tigresses' new captain, the usually reserved Regina Jurado is determined to step out of her comfort zone and let her voice be heard MANILA, Philippines – In her four years playing for the UST Golden Tigresses, Regina Jurado played a supporting role behind vocal leaders Eya Laure and Detdet Pepito. Now the Tigresses’ new captain, the usually reserved Jurado is determined to step out of her comfort zone and let her voice be heard. “Actually, [being the shy type] is one of my worries as captain, because, as I’ve seen from [Pepito], she was very vocal, and that’s what I need to work on,” Jurado said in Filipino after helping UST win the Shakey’s Super League National Invitational on Sunday, July 26. “It’s still a work in progress, but for now, I’ll try to lead in my own way, with my own style.” Jurado let her game do the talking in the championship game against NCAA powerhouse College of St. Benilde, pouring in a game-high 21 points in the 22-25, 25-8, 25-12, 25-22 triumph. Angge Poyos added 20 markers en route to MVP honors, while rookie Kim Rubin supplied 12. Middle blocker Blessing Unekwe recorded 7 blocks. The win sealed the program’s first major preseason title under Shaq delos Santos, the last coach to guide the Tigresses to a UAAP championship in 2010. “So this is how it feels. I forgot the feeling of being champion already,” said Delos Santos in Filipino. “This is big for us, it’s a big help, it gives us huge impact, and we will be inspired to work harder for the next tournaments,” he added, saying that the team will play in the Collegiate V-League and the main Shakey’s Super League tournament. Like Jurado, Poyos prefers to let her game speak for itself, but she knows the team needs leadership from the veterans as only five seniors remain. UST captured the title despite missing setter Cassie Carballo, who continues to recover from a leg injury, and UAAP Season 88 girls’ MVP Diza Marie Berayo, who is working her way back from a tweaked ankle. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading