The University of Santo Tomas Tigresses celebrate on the court after beating the San Sebastian College spikers to complete a “three-peat” in the Shakey’s V-league last Thursday. (Photo by BOB DUNGO JR.)

When the first conference of the 7th Shakey’s V-League opened two months ago, several teams made drastic changes in their rosters in the hope of turning their fortunes around.

Four teams – San Sebastian, Ateneo, Lyceum and newcomer Southwestern University – enlisted the services of Thai players, believing this move could strengthen their respective title drives in the country’s premiere volleyball tournament.

While it became a trend, only a few, including defending champion University of Santo Tomas, swam against the tide.

“It will be good for the league (to have Thai guest players) because it’s an added attraction,” UST coach Delos Santos said early in the season. “But as far as my team is concerned, we don’t need them.”

On Thursday night, UST’s philosophy was validated as the all-Filipino Tigresses completed a “three-peat” at the expense of the five-time NCAA champion SSC belles, 25-20, 25-27, 25-12, 25-15, at The Arena in San Juan.

It was a long and tough road to glory for the Tigresses, who were the only squad to reach the Final Four without a Thai backing.

But in the end, the Tigresses overcame the odds and were gifted with a victory that proved that Thais, indeed, don’t guarantee success.

In all, no team with Thai reinforcement has ever won a title in the past 11 conferences since the start of the league in 2004.

“We really worked hard for this,” Delos Santos said as the Tigresses appeared to have built a dynasty in the V-League.

The championship was the sixth overall for the “Golden Girls” of España – the most by any team in the seven-year history of the league.

Behind the brilliant performances of Aiza Maizo, crowned the Finals MVP, Maika Ortiz, guest players Mary Jean Balse and Michelle

Carolino and Rhea Dimaculangan, the Tigresses fought back from a stinging five-set defeat in Game 2 to wrap up the best-of-three title series, 2-1.