UST star rookie Poyos tempers expectations ahead of next year’s UAAP

UST rookie Angeline Poyos in the Shakey’s Super League Finas. –SSL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Angeline Poyos showed what she is capable of for the University of Santo Tomas in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL), emerging as one of the team’s top spikers in the preseason.

The 19-year-old rookie didn’t expect to receive the 2nd Best Outside Spiker after UST settled for silver in the Preseason Championship, losing to National University, 17-25, 25-15, 20-25, 20-25 in Game 2 on Saturday evening at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

It was her second award after winning the Best Outside Hitter in the National Invitationals, where the Tigresses finished with the bronze.

Despite her impressive preseason, Poyos is tempering her expectations ahead of next year’s UAAP volleyball tournament as she aims to let her game do the talking.

“Don’t expect too much from me but I will do my best,” said the rookie in Filipino. “I won’t relax and will continue to work hard and persevere coming to the UAAP.”

Shakey’s Super League awardees.–SSL PHOTO

Poyos scattered seven kills, three blocks, and an ace to finish with 11 points only to commit the service error that clinched the championship for NU in Game 2.

But she remained gracious in defeat as the Tigresses were the only team this SSL preseason to push the Lady Bulldogs to their limits by winning sets in both championship games.

“It’s overwhelming because most of us are rookies and we didn’t let our team down. We made them feel that we can lead the team despite losing a lot of players,” Poyos said.

“I’m still grateful because our young team had a learning experience. As our coaches say, nothing to lose and many to gain,” she added.

Poyos will be one of UST’s main gunners with Regina Jurado, Xyza Gula, and Jonna Perdido as they play in the UAAP next year without Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, and Milena Alessandrini.