In many instances where University of Santo Tomas secured a spot in the championship round of a women’s volleyball tournament, its journey has been marred by last-minute injuries to key players.
Back in UAAP Season 72, when the Golden Tigresses last won the UAAP title, libero Jessia Curato went down with an injury during the Finals.
In Season 81, UST icon Eya Laure suffered an ankle injury in Game 2 of the finals, allowing Ateneo to win the championship.
Fast forward five years to Season 86, reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos also suffered an ankle injury in Game 1 of the finals, as National University completed its title redemption run.
In the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge, UST’s “curse” continued.
Poyos was sidelined during a dramatic five-set Game 2 thriller after feeling unwell, while middle blocker Em Banagua aggravated a knee injury in the same match.
Since Season 72, UST has struggled to overcome their rivals in championship matches, repeatedly falling short of reclaiming the glory they last tasted in 2010.
However, in this pre-season tournament, their long run of misfortune finally came to an end.
Despite Banagua’s absence in the winner-take-all Game 3, Poyos delivered an outstanding performance, leading UST to a 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14 victory over Far Eastern University.
Poyos tallied 31 points, built on 29 attacks and two blocks, clinching UST’s first V-League title in 14 years.
“Bago pa bumalik ng Game 3, rineady ko na sarili ko mentally and physically, so grateful ako dahil nailabas namin at naipakita namin yung totoong game namin,” the 20-year-old outside hitter shared.
“Sobrang happy and sobrang sarap sa feeling na makatulong sa team and makuha ko yung first-ever championship sa collegiate career ko. Very thankful and siyempre nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord kasi hindi Niya kami pinabayaan all throughout the season, and sa coaches na tuloy na nagtitiwala sa amin.”
(C) V-League Images
Poyos’ return was highly anticipated not only by her teammates but also by Golden Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes, who couldn’t contain his excitement over having his star spiker back on the court.
Throughout various setbacks, Reyes often reminded his players not to dwell on past defeats and to focus on the present. This time, his words finally materialized into a well-deserved championship after two heartbreaking finals appearances.
“Gaya ng sinabi ni Cassie na hindi kami nag-dwell, nag-move forward kami. Linook forward talaga namin yung pagbalik ni Angge, so sabi nga ni Detdet, excited kami kasi makakarating si Angge,” Reyes shared.
“For how many years na sumubok kami, nabigo, sumubok, nabigo, tapos naging maayos kahit papaano hanggang sa nakuha namin yung finals. Marami kaming pinagdaanang pagsubok, pero hindi kami tumigil.”
He concluded, “Ang kailangan lang talaga ay pagbutihin pa yung mga susunod na pagkakataon at pagbubutihin ng mga player.”
