Super rookie Angge Poyos posted a career-best showing of 26 points built around 21-of-41 attacks to power University of Santo Tomas to a resounding 25-19, 25-16, 25-19 victory over Ateneo de Manila University and raise their unbeaten record to 5-0 in the University Athletic Association Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
Poyos, 20, also had three service aces, and two blocks in a stunning display of all-around skills.
She fired 11 points in the first set alone as it sustained the Lady Tigresses’ finest start in 13 years.
“The instructions were simple. We just carried over our intense training into the game. We performed the same way when we were training,” UST assistant coach Lerma Giron said.
The Golden Tigresses had some challenges especially in the third set when the Blue Eagles inched within one, 17-18.
However, the lefty spikers Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado delivered for UST down the stretch for the victory in one hour and 29 minutes.
“We are grateful that we won and everyone did their job and contributed. The ball was well-distributed that’s why we won the game,” said Poyos, who surpassed her previous-best of 24 points made against university of the East.
Jurado finished with 12 points and 10 digs while Perdido ended up with eight points and six excellent receptions.
Lyann de Guzman shone in the loss for Ateneo with 11 points, five digs, and five receptions.
The Blue Eagles went down to 1-4.
Up next for UST is University of the Philippines on Wednesday at 2 p.m. before closing the first-round campaign against Adamson University.
On the other hand, Ateneo will aim to rebound on Wednesday as well against the Lady Falcons.
In men’s play, Far Eastern University regained control of the top spot after tripping Adamson University in straight sets, 25-23, 25-20, 25-19.
It was sweet revenge for the Tamaraws, who yielded to the Falcons the last time they rumbled.
Dryx Saavedra led the way for FEU’s bounce back win with 13 points on nine attacks, three blocks, and a service ace.
With FEU ahead by just a single point midway through the third, Jeff Abuniawan and Codz Codilla provided the spark while the Soaring Falcons also helped their foes’ cause with multiple errors for the win in just 74 minutes.
Adamson fell to 2-3, tied with University of Santo Tomas for fifth.
FEU will close its first round schedule on 17 March against Ateneo de Manila University.
Meanwhile, Adamson will also face the Blue Eagles on Wednesday.
