THE UST Golden Tigresses have their best chance to win the UAAP women's volleyball crown for the first time since Season 72 back in 2010.

This was the statement that reigning Best Libero and UST team captain Detdet Pepito made after the Golden Tigresses clinched the second seed that came with the last Final Four twice-to-beat incentive in the ongoing Season 86 tournament.

Pepito and the Golden Tigresses got their semifinal bonus after repeating on the defending champs De La Salle Lady Spikers, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, April 27.

"Yes [this is our best chance to win the crown]," said Pepito who logged 17 excellent digs and six receptions in the aforementioned contest.

"The component of this team is different in the sense that we're a youthful team so we're a bit less experienced but I think [with where we are right now], you can really see the fruits of our labor. Yes, I can say that this is UST's best chance to regain the crown."

Following the departure of stars Eya Laure and Imee Hernandez, the Golden Tigresses roster were left with a bunch of rookies and sophomores. There were less expectations for this kind of team to make it this far.

But now that they're here, Pepito, playing her third year in the league, said they should bask in the glory of everything that this playoffs stint has to offer.

"I'm proud of this young team because we didn't really expect to be in this position but since we're here already, what I'm telling them is for us to embrace it, to win it, to enjoy it, and cherish every moment we have on the court. Let's be happy."

Overachieving as they are, Pepito said that they can't afford to celebrate. The job's not done, after all.

The Golden Tigresses (12-2) battle the Lady Spikers (11-3) again in the semis, needing just one win to advance to the championship round. La Salle is expected to fight back, though, especially with ace spikers and reigning MVP Angel Canino back in the fold.