A cloud of uncertainty was dispelled by Angge Poyos when her name was announced by the arena announcer in the University of Santo Tomas’ starting lineup on Wednesday. But it was evident that she was not at all 100 percent.
The Golden Tigresses ultimately succumbed to the National University Lady Bulldogs in four sets, 23-25, 25-23, 25-27, 16-25, as the latter secured their second championship in three seasons of the UAAP. But there was no time for despair for Poyos; after all, no one even expected UST—a young and not-so-tall team—to reach this far.
Even though they failed this time to end the title drought of the Golden Tigresses, time is on their side as everyone from the team is still eligible to play for the next season.
“Unang una, grateful pa rin ako kasi nakaabot kami dito sa Finals,” said Poyos postgame, still in high spirits.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa mga coaches kasi binigyan nila ako ng tiwala at ayun nga, tinry ko yung best ko pero medyo hindi ko pa kinaya,” added the super rookie from Bohol.
“Marami pa kaming oras para bumawi, sobrang haba pa ng career namin.”
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
It was an eventful rookie season for Poyos, ranking second in scoring after the elimination round with 290 points.
She also set the freshman record for most points in a single game with 31 points.
The 5-foot-7 outside spiker was also the league’s best server with 0.41 aces per set and the third-best spiker with a 40.75 percent success rate.
Her spectacular performance earned her the Rookie of the Year and the 2nd Best Outside Spiker awards.
Asked about her individual accolades, Poyos could not help but still think of the team.
“Sobrang proud lang din kasi first season ko ito sa collegiate,” she said.
“So kahit hindi kami nag-champion ngayon, for sure next year mas pagbubutihan namin para makuha yung gold medal kasi nga ang babata namin at sobrang dami pa naming maeexperience sa mga susunod na taon. Kaya gawin na lang namin itong inspirasyon.”
