UAAP volleyball: Poyos leads UST past Dongallo-led UE for 2-0 start
UST Golden Tigresses celebrate during their win over UE Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Angeline Poyos settled in comfortably on her second outing with University of Santo Tomas, spearheading the Tigressess’ 18-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-22 win over the University of the East Lady Warriors on Wednesday evening at the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball.
“I was really pressured during my first game. Now, I can say that I have adjusted and I hope to be consistent in our succeeding games,” said Poyos after delivering 19 attacks out of a game-high 24 points on top of two blocks, three aces and 11 receptions.
The Tigresses picked up win No. 2, but not after weathering the UE tempest anchored on Casiey Dongallo.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
UST coach KungFu Reyes, Angge Poyos, and Xyza Gula after overcoming UE. #UAAPSeason86 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ywS7TZGM2t
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 21, 2024
The Lady Warriors’ talented freshman had another spectacular output with 23 points, 22 of them kills, apart from 13 digs, creating not a few defensive headaches for the Tigresses.
“This game was no joke. They surprised us, especially in the first set. That UE team is younger than us. They are hungry, excited and very aggressive,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes.
“It’s was a tough game. Luckily, we managed to get it,” added Reyes.
UST Golden Tigresses’ Regina Jurado in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Regina Jurado added 18 points on the strength of 15 attacks, Cassie Carballo had 17 excellent sets and second-stringer Xyza Gula produced 10 attacks for the Tigresses, who are bracing for an early showdown with defending champion La Salle on Sunday.
“I just gave my best out there. I’m thankful for the opportunity to show what I’m capable of,” said Gula.
In the opening set, Kizzie Madriaga’s push to the UST back row helped the Lady Warriors gain a quick advantage.
READ: Poyos tempers expectations ahead of next year’s UAAP
The Tigresses reversed the trend in the second set, cutting loose early and earning a cushion good enough to mitigate the possible damage of Dongalio’s attacks.
Jonna Perdido scored on a couple of kills before a crushing smash by Poyos on the left flank leveled the count entering the third frame.
Poyos sustained the UST assault in the third set and the Tigresses effectively defended their floor, preventing enemy fire from taking over with Mary Margaret Banagua’s block off a KC Cepada hit sealing it.
Three consecutive attacks by Poyos in the fourth turned the tide for the Tigresses dramatically, 16-13, before Gula delivered a trio of hits of her own that softened the Lady Warriors.
But Dongalio came to life, her back-to-back powerful spikes put them within reach, 22-23, after which Jurado responded with a crosscourt kill and Poyos knocking it down off a block at match point.
