University of Sto. Tomas head coach Kungfu Reyes is keeping his fingers crossed after star outside hitter Angge Poyos suffered a right ankle injury early in the Golden Tigresses’ Game 1 loss to National University on Saturday night.
“Doing the x-ray siguro pagbalik ng UST , and we’re praying na walang fracture or anything na seryoso,” said Reyes after the 23-25, 20-25, 20-25 loss against the Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UST took a big hit as early as the second set after Poyos landed on teammate Em Banagua’s foot and rolled her right ankle.
The 5-foot-8 super rookie had to be helped out of the playing court and was seen wearing a walking boot a few moments later.
“Part ng laro na unfortunately, nakaapak ng kasama. So medyo unusual pero andiyan na. Looking forward na kailangan lang may mag-step up na isang outside hitter namin,” said Reyes.
Poyos finished with seven points and eight excellent receptions in Game 1 as the Golden Tigresses were sent to the brink.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Regarding naman kay Angge, may maga na pero hindi naman siya sobrang lala like kay Eya (nung Season 81) na talagang nag-violet agad. Pero swollen pa rin,” said Reyes.
“Ang maganda naman, ‘di yung jumping foot niya kasi nasa right side. Pero definitely maaapektuhan yung performance neto. Hopefully, makabalik siya,” he added.
With Poyos uncertain for Game 2, Reyes urged the rest of the Golden Tigresses to stay ready and step up when called upon.
The veteran tactician wants to see the team collectively fill the void if ever their leading scorer ends up sitting the do-or-die match on Wednesday.
“Ang isang bilin namin sa kanila, hindi namin hinihingi yung output ni Angge sa isang tao. Kailangan talaga nilang magtulungan. Nandiyan pa rin si Xyza (Gula), si Pierre (Abellana), si Ren (Penafiel), so depende na lang sa magiging takbo ng ensayo namin,” said the Chery Tiggo tactician.
“May papalit naman na wing spiker pa, kailangan lang talaga pagtulungan. ‘Di naman kami nananalo dahil si Angge lang yung umii-score – nanalo kami as a group.”
