Poyos leads UST fightback vs UE for Super League Pool B sweep

UST’s Angge Poyos tries to score against UE in the Shakey’s Super League.–SSL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas roared back from two sets down to fend off University of the East, 23-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17, 15-9, and stay unbeaten in Pool B of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.   

Angge Poyos took over in the fifth set, banging in the crucial hits as the Growling Tigresses pulled away early to complete a four-game sweep of the opening pool stage and build momentum heading into the next round.   

The star sophomore scored eight of her game-high 28 points in the fifth set including the match-clinching spike from the left corner finish off the erstwhile undefeated Lady Warriors in the thrilling two-hour, 27-minute match.

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“Nag-stick lang kami sa sistema and nakinig lang kami sa instructions ng mga coaches and ‘yung communication and enjoyment ibinalik lang namin nu’ng third, fourth and fifth set. Talaganng malaking factor dinyun kung bakit namin nakuha ang panalo,” said Poyos, who smashed in 25 attacks and three kill blocks.  

Regina Jurado added 15 points while Jonna Perdido finished with 14 markers for UST, which halted UE’s three-game romp.

Poyos went on a tear at the start of the deciding frame, scoring four hits in the Tigresses’ hot 5-0 start.

The Lady Warriors tried to push back with Casiey Dongallo scoring a kill to cut their deficit to three, 11-8, only for UST to answer with three straight points punctuated by a Jurado attack.

Dongallo saved a match point but it was too late as Poyos fired back to seal the deal.

Jelai Gajero and Dongallo paced UE with 14 points each and a combined 27 kills while KC Cepada had 11 markers.

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The Tigresses battle Far Eastern University and the second-ranked teams in Pool A and C in another round-robin play for one of the two twice-to-beat quarterfinals advantages. The Lady Warriors, on the other hand, will play De La Salle University, the top seed in Pool A and second seed in Pool D in the next round.

Meanwhile, three-peat-seeking National University crushed also-ran San Beda University, 25-19, 25-7, 25-17, for a 3-0 card in Pool A.

Myrtle Escanlar uncorked 13 points off 11 attacks, one kill block, and an ace while reigning tournament Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon added 12 markers for the Lady Bulldogs’ dominating win.

Angel Habacon had 11 points built on nine kills and two aces for the Lady Red Spikers, who closed their campaign with a 1-3 mark.

Action resumes Wednesday with Lyceum of the Philippines University (1-2) facing University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (0-2) at 1 p.m. in Pool B. Ateneo de Manila University (2-1) takes on Emilio Aguinaldo College (0-3) at 3:30 p.m. in Pool B while the Pool D battle between Adamson University (1-1) and College of Saint Benilde (0-1) is set at 6 p.m.