Jonna Perdido, UST Tigresses vow to step up to save UAAP title bid

UST Tigresses in Game 1 of the UAAP 86 women’s volleyball Finals against NU Lady Bulldogs. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — With Angge Poyos’ availability in Game 2 still uncertain due to an ankle injury, Jonna Perdido is determined to step up for the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses when they try to salvage their UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball campaign against the National University Lady Bulldogs.

Perdido took matters into her own hands with 17 points and nine excellent receptions but it wasn’t enough to lift UST, which lost Poyos late in the second set, past NU, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20, in Game 1 of the Finals before an ecstatic 20,955 crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

“I had to step up and contribute since Angge suffered from an injury,” said Perdido in Filipino after the loss. “I was sad after what happened to Angge so I reminded myself that I have to contribute because the team needs me. But we fell short.”

Jonna Perdido after losing Game 1. #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/oTGrtnFkDP

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Tied at 11 in the second set, Poyos landed on her teammate Em Banagua off a block attempt and was carried off the court. She wasn’t able to return to the game and left the venue with a walking boot and crutches but rode on the team’s trolley going out of the Big Dome.

UST coach KungFu Reyes said that Poyos will undergo tests as they hold their breath for the availability of their leading scorer on Wednesday. But he urges his players to have a next-man-up mentality with Xyza Gula, Ren Peñafiel, and Pierre Abellana possibly filling in the other outside spiker position.

UST Tigresses’ Jonna Perdido in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball Finals against NU Lady Bulldogs. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

Perdido remains confident that the Tigresses will bounce back in Game 2 to extend their unexpected run to the UAAP Finals.

“It doesn’t mean that Angge is not here, then we won’t have a chance. My teammates can step up and I know that we will bounce back. Angge will be our motivation, we will keep on fighting,” she said.

“We just have to believe in each other and our coaches. This game will serve as a motivation to bounce back in Game 2.”

Despite the tough loss, Perdido thanked the UST fans, who never stopped cheering them regardless of the score, boosting their morale during the match.