UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas libero Niña Robles made an eye-catching debut for the Golden Tigresses despite their five-set loss to Arellano University in the V-League 2026 Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Gameville Central Park.
Robles, who wore No. 6, drew attention from volleyball fans as she made her first appearance for UST in the tournament.
WHO IS SHE OMG SO PRETTY 😭🤩 pic.twitter.com/j2sSx8dfZZ
— Torey Canino-Celis 🏔️ (@tj_canino) August 22, 2026
The Golden Tigresses ultimately fell to the Lady Chiefs, 25-21, 21-25, 31-33, 25-23, 15-13, after failing to protect a 2-1 set lead.
Robles arrived at UST after playing collegiate volleyball in the United States. She was a member of the California State University program and previously starred for Rancho High School in Las Vegas.
During her freshman season, Robles played 98 sets and recorded 419 digs, averaging 4.28 digs per set, along with 73 assists and 42 service aces.
She also spent eight years with Dig This! Volleyball Club in Las Vegas and helped Rancho High School capture a state championship.
Her debut came in a closely fought match, with UST winning the marathon third set, 33-31, before Arellano responded by taking the final two frames.
Despite the defeat, Robles’ arrival gives UST another defensive option following the graduation of Bernadett “Detdet” Pepito. (Adrian Co)
