By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense setter Cassie Carballo has confirmed that she will return for her fifth and final year with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses, choosing to extend her UAAP career to continue representing the España-based squad.

Carballo explained that she still has remaining academic units, which allows her to remain eligible for another season in the UAAP.

With that, the veteran playmaker made it clear that her priority is to suit up once more for UST, a program she holds close to her heart.

“So technically, may one year pa ako sa UST. Gusto ko talaga maglaro muna para sa UST. Sobrang mahal ko ‘yung UST,” she added.

Carballo also expressed hope that her batchmates will likewise return as the Golden Tigresses look to stay competitive in the upcoming season.

“Hoping din ako na ‘yung iba. I’m really praying na, yeah, mag-season,” she said.

Her return provides a boost for UST, which is coming off another strong campaign and remains in search of a breakthrough title in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament./ASC, WDJ