For the first time in their collegiate careers, last season’s Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos will face this season’s highly anticipated top freshman, Shaina Nitura, as University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University clash on Saturday.
However, this won’t be their first meeting on the UAAP stage.
Just two years ago, Poyos and Nitura crossed paths in high school. At the time, Poyos was a graduating Grade 12 senior, while Nitura had just transferred from California Academy.
That season marked the last time the UAAP girls’ volleyball tournament skipped the Final Four format, with the top two teams advancing straight to the finals.
During the elimination round, the Junior Tigresses and the Lady Baby Falcons split their encounters. Adamson edged out a five-set thriller in the opening round, while UST avenged the loss with a four-set victory in their next meeting.
(C) UAAP Season 85 Media Team
“Actually, nagkaharap na kami ni Shai nung high school days namin sa UAAP, so inexpect ko talaga na magaling siya and maraming variations yung palo niya. So expect sa Saturday na maganda yung laban ng team namin sa team ng Adamson,” said Poyos, who led UST to a championship appearance in her rookie season last year.
Adamson eventually reached the finals but fell to National University-Nazareth School in three games.
(C) UAAP Season 85 Media Team
Now, despite their youth, Poyos and Nitura have emerged as key players and leaders for their respective collegiate teams.
Aware of UST’s strength dating back to her high school days, Nitura is preparing for the challenge ahead.
“Nakalaban po namin yung mga ibang players before, pero of course, nagte-training sila, nag-iimprove sila. Same lang din sa other teams at sa amin. We’re gonna train more to improve more,” said Nitura.
