(UPDATE) BEFORE it was Eya Laure, now it's the likes of Regina Jurado, Detdet Pepito, Angge Poyos and Jonna Perdido.

The UST women's volleyball program continues to reap the fruits of its solid high school volleyball program, having their juniors stay and star in the seniors level as both mentored by coach Kungfu Reyes.

"This is what we're proud of at UST. Our grassroots program where we develop players. Our different batches of players are now starting to team up here in college. When Laure [graduated from high school], the youngest in the girls team were the likes of Regina Jurado," said Reyes.

"Detdet is now the most senior player who is in her third year. Reg, Jonna, they're now joining our high school program. This is the UST program working wonders. We have the same players in high school and college. It's really a long process but at least we're now reaping the fruits of our labor."

With their high school volleyball core of Jurado, Pepito, Poyos and Perdido, the Golden Tigresses are roaring in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.

UST became the first team to punch its ticket to the Final Four after beating Adamson, 22-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-20, on April 5, as Poyos led the way for the Tigresses with a rookie scoring record 31 points.

The league-leading Golden Tigresses improved to 9-1 as they continue to grind for a top two finish in the 14-game elimination round, which merits a twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals.

UST will next face UP on Wednesday, April 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.