University of Santo Tomas team captain Detdet Pepito in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — University of Santo Tomas is gearing up for its last elimination round assignments as the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4 race heats up.

The Growling Tigresses are currently at 8-4 in the team standings, and not only can they formalize their spot in the semifinals with a win in their next assignment -- UST can also boost its hopes for a twice-to-beat advantage.

That is why for Tigresses team captain Detdet Pepito, the Holy Week was not a time for rest, but rather, a chance for her squad to further ramp up their preparations.

“Kailangan namin ng maraming sakripisyo,” the tenured libero told ABS-CBN News. “This time kasi, may kagustuhan kaming makapasok sa Final 4 na may magandang spot.”

Next up for UST is a bout vs. University of the Philippines on Wednesday, April 23, 1:00 p.m., at the Mall of. Asia Arena, and Pepito said acknowledged that they are wary of the surging Fighting Maroons, who have won four of their last six games.  

"Wala kami masyadong pahinga," she said. “Mas kailangan naming paghandaan yung next games knowing na UP yan, nagpe-peak sila ngayong second round.”

Instead of having time off, Pepito said that their Holy Week break was to be used for reflecting on the aspects that they still need to work on.

“Yung mga past games namin. Lagi kaming nagkakaroon ng viewing, so talagang nagre-reflect kami sa mga pagkakamali namin, at strengths and weaknesses namin,” she said.

“So siyempre, tuloy pa rin. Robot tayo eh,” Pepito quipped. “Player tayo, so volleyball kahit weekend, kahit weekdays.”

A victory from the Tigresses on Wednesday will officially eliminate the Maroons from Final 4 contention.

In the event that this happens, the most wins that UP can get is seven, while UST, National University, Far Eastern University, and De La Salle University all currently already have at least eight.

After the said game, the Tigresses will be closing their elimination round campaign vs. their modern-day rivals Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, April 27, 5:00 p.m., at the Araneta Coliseum.