Just when many thought University of Santo Tomas would have a hard time after parting ways with a bevy of veterans last season, a rookie in Angge Poyos stepped up to the plate to keep the Golden Tigresses afloat.
The high-flying spiker made her presence felt with a resounding introduction and her consistency both on offense and defense keyed in UST’s surprising perfect start in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
Poyos’ remarkable performance pushed last year’s fourth placed squad to solo lead with an immaculate 3-0 win-loss record UST collected from no less than top favorites defending champion De La Salle University, Season 85 runner-up National University and a promising talent-laden University of the East side.
Her heroics did not go unnoticed as Poyos got the nod from the Collegiate Press Corps as this season’s first UAAP Player of the Week presented by San Miguel Corporation for women’s volleyball for the period 17 to 25 February.
Super rookies have been on the rise in the division for the past two seasons and it’s no different this year.
Poyos averaged 20 points in the three matches including a career-best 24 points in her first of many battles against another sensational rookie in UE’s Casey Dongallo.
But it was in the duel against the repeat-seeking Lady Spikers where she truly made her mark after showcasing a grace under pressure.
The 5-foot-8 outside hitter scored four of her 22 points in the deciding set including two crucial hits in the 6-0 finishing kick in the Tigresses’ stunning 25-18, 25-23, 14-25, 16-25, 15-12, upset over the same squad that knocked out of last year’s Final Four.
Despite her steady performance in their first three outings, which also included a 16-point debut against NU, the UST High School product hopes for more consistency moving forward.
“I would say that this is my real performance. This is the real Angge but I still have a lot to offer in the next games,” Poyos said.
She edged out teammate Bernadett Pepito, La Salle’s Angel Canino, and UE’s Dongallo for the weekly honors given by print and online scribes regularly covering the beat.
“Super happy to be able to contribute to the team and I think I’m showing consistency this time. I hope I can show more in our next matches,” Poyos added.
