University of Santo Tomas great Eya Laure couldn’t help but feel emotional when Golden Tigresses’ top gunner Angge Poyos fell during the second set of Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball Finals.
Laure was one of the 20,995 fans in attendance at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last Saturday, sitting beside another school legend, Sisi Rondina.
Poyos, a key contributor to the Golden Tigresses’ journey to the Finals, landed on teammate Em Banagua’s foot after a block halfway through the second set.
That caused her to sprain her right ankle.
She was unable to return to the game, as UST succumbed to National University in straight sets, 23-25, 20-25, 20-25. Poyos left the venue with crutches and a walking boot.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Katabi ko si Ate Sisi at medyo naiyak ako kasi nangyayari yung ganitong unfortunate events na hindi naman talaga natin kontrolado,” said Laure.
“I think para kay Angge, sana maka-recover lang siya agad with the help of the UST coaches, yung mga strength and conditioning coaches, at yung mga doctors na nag-aasikaso,” she continued.
That event also brought back bitter memories for Laure as she herself suffered an injury for UST during a crucial game back in Season 81 (2019).
Laure, a rookie back then, also got injured during Game 2 of the Finals when UST was on the brink of winning the championship. They had already taken Game 1 against Ateneo de Manila University.
However, the Lady Eagles rallied and emerged victorious in Games 2 and 3 to claim the crown.
“Naiyak lang talaga ako nung nakita ko yun. ‘Di ko alam kung ano yung mafe-feel ko or parang, nag-flashback, nag-flashback siya. Sabi ko kay Ate Sisi noon na, parang nung Game Two nung Season 81,” she recalled.
But despite the uncertainty about Poyos’ availability in Game 2, which is on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Laure remains hopeful that UST can force a winner-take-all Game 3.
Head coach Kungfu Reyes already stated postgame that they can rely on other outside spikers during these times.
The open hitters on the bench are Xyza Gula, Pierre Abellana, and Renren Peñafiel.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Alam ko naman na ilalaban nila ‘yun ng UST kasi hindi lang naman si Poyos ang dahilan kung bakit sila nasa finals ngayon. Nasa finals sila kasi teamwork ang ginawa nila at hindi biro ‘yun na young team sila na nakarating sa finals agad,” said the proud Laure.
