University of Santo Tomas is gaining momentum in both the UAAP men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments, thanks in large part to the stellar performances of Angge Poyos and Popoy Colinares.
After splitting their first two games of Season 87, both the Golden Tigresses and the Golden Spikers delivered a flawless week from February 26 to March 2, sweeping their respective two matches.
With their impressive contributions that propelled UST to second place in both divisions, Poyos and Colinares were named the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) UAAP Players of the Week, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Poyos, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, erupted for a season-high 28 points, built on 24 spikes, three blocks, and an ace, in the Golden Tigresses’ thrilling 25-12, 22-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-13 come-from-behind victory over the De La Salle Lady Spikers on Wednesday. She also tallied 16 digs in the match.
She followed it up with a 21-point outing in UST’s 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25 win against the Shaina Nitura-led Adamson Lady Falcons on Saturday.
For the 21-year-old standout from Balilihan, Bohol, their opening-day loss to Far Eastern University served as fuel for their ongoing three-game winning streak.
“Siguro yung pagiging matibay. Despite sa natalo man kami nung first game, buo pa rin kami na ayun nga, sinisimulan ulit namin sa training, and yung connection namin sa isa’t isa, yun yung pinakaimportante and yun nga, yung guidance din ng coaches, yun din yung isa rin sa mga nagpalakas sa amin,” shared Poyos.
Poyos edged out teammates Cassie Carballo and Detdet Pepito, along with FEU’s Gerzel Petallo, NU’s Bella Belen, and La Salle’s Angel Canino for the weekly citation, which is also supported by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and World Balance.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the men’s side, middle blocker Colinares, despite not being a primary scoring option, stepped up in a big way, scoring in double figures in both of UST’s wins over La Salle and Adamson.
The third-year UST High School product delivered a game-high 17 points on 11 attacks, five blocks, and an ace in the Golden Spikers’ dominant 25-21, 25-20, 25-16 win over the Green Spikers on Wednesday.
He followed it up with a 10-point performance—one of four UST players in double figures—as the Golden Spikers cruised past Adamson, 25-18, 25-15, 25-23, on Saturday to improve to 3-1, tying reigning champion National University for second place.
Like their women’s team, Colinares and the Golden Spikers used their opening-game loss to unbeaten Far Eastern University (4-0) as motivation.
“Nung nasaktan po kami nung first game namin, sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi na puwedeng maulit yun,” said Colinares as UST notched its third straight win.
Colinares outshined fellow UST player Dux Yambao, NU’s Leo Aringo, and FEU’s Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra for the weekly honor, which was voted on by online and print journalists covering the league.
The Golden Spikers’ three-game winning streak has been even more remarkable considering they have been playing without reigning MVP Josh Ybañez, who suffered a Grade 2 right ankle sprain on opening day.
Despite Ybañez’s absence, Colinares took pride in how the team has remained strong and competitive.
“Kahit nawala po si Josh sa lineup namin, intact pa rin po kami as a team. Kumbaga kahit sinong mawala sa amin, kahit sinong ilagay mo diyan, sure na sure po kaming magpeperform kasi ganon po ka-confident ‘yung bawat player po namin ngayon,” he said.
With UST’s teams riding a wave of momentum, Poyos and Colinares have proven to be instrumental in their squads’ early success in Season 87.
