UAAP volleyball has long been defined by intense stare-downs and fierce poses following a big point.

Over the years, fans have seen countless iconic displays of "swag" on the court, but the UST Golden Tigresses has noticeably kept a lower profile this season.

TomasinoWeb recently asked why the team, once known for their bold celebrations, has refrained from participating in this "swagfest."

Head coach Kungfu Reyes explained that the Golden Tigresses strive to approach every game with values.

“Hindi namin sila pinipigilan kung paano sila mag-celebrate on every point pero siyempre, at the end of the day, humility pa rin namin kasi sometimes ‘yong kalaban pa rin namin ang mas magaling sa amin,” he told TomasinoWeb.

“Normally, ang sinasabi namin na mag-celebrate sila for the boost of morale, not for anything na i-degrade ‘yong kalaban,” he added.

Reyes emphasized the team does not want to make their foes feel inferior, instead, they give more words of affirmation to their teammates after a good play.

“Kami kasi we celebrate as a group then we give a compliment to our teammate na naka-score. I guess pang-boost iyon ng morale agad. Hindi namin way ‘yong maka-score kami, mag-aangas na kami. Basta work lang kami,” he said.

Rather than dwelling on the celebrations themselves, the Tigresses use these moments as fuel to push themselves further.

“Hindi kami nai-intimidate kasi nagbibigay pa iyon ng encouragement na mas ma-motivate to do more, na makabawi para at least, iyon ang reward nila para sa sarili nila,” the tactioner added.

Graduating captain Detdet Pepito who had witnessed a fair share of stare-downs when opponents successfully scored a point on her also shared the same sentiments.

“Well, wala, hindi talaga kami ganoon na team. Hindi naman siya pinagbabawal, talagang natural lang kami maglaro. Parang nagfo-focus kami sa enjoyment kaysa sa pag-swag,” she told TomasinoWeb.

Pepito and the rest of the squad often don’t mind their opponents’ sashays, but they do have their limits.

“If nagswa-swag na kayang dalhin, hindi naman [nakakaintimidate] kasi parang feeling namin na normal lang naman na deserve naman niya mag-swag,” the libero said.

“Pero ‘yong mga walang ganap tapos nag-swag, minsan iyon pa ang nakakabuwiset,” she added.

While other squads put on a brave stance as the elimination draws near, the Golden Tigresses vow to keep on fighting with smiles on their faces in the race to the Final Four. -With reports from Johann Coronel and Dylan Kievan Lameseria