Xyza Gula stepped up for University of Sto. Tomas in an attempt to save the Golden Tigresses’ championship bid in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Finals on Wednesday.
With super rookie Angge Poyos still hobbled by an injured right ankle, Gula seized the moment.
She started the final three sets after coming off the bench for the newly-crowned Rookie of the Year in the second game of the gold series against National University.
Unfortunately, the 20-year-old outside hitter’s efforts were not enough.
The Lady Bulldogs eventually ran away with a 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16 victory against UST at the SM Mall of Asia en route to their second title in three seasons.
Still, Gula played beyond her 5-foot-5 frame, showcasing an all-around effort of 18 points on 16 attacks and two blocks. She also had 11 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs to finish with a triple-double.
The sophomore outside hitter said that the UST fans – who lined up at midnight inside the school campus just to buy tickets to watch them play later that night – served as her motivation.
Gula also dedicated her performance to Poyos, who sprained her right ankle after landing on teammate Em Banagua’s foot halfway through the second set of their Game 1 defeat.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
The first-year spiker from Bohol attempted to make a comeback in Game 2, but ended up playing in spurts, as she is still reeling from the effects of her injury.
“Siguro po yung mindset ko is laruin lang yung game namin since yun nga, yung laro para kay Angge and para sa UST community na pumipila kahit madaling araw nandoon na sa school. ‘Yun po, binigay lang po namin yung best namin,” said Gula.
Golden Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes could not feel more proud of Gula for rising up to the occasion and answering his call.
“Naiba yung kwento so yun nga, ano lang kami, sa huli proud kami sa mga players especially kay Xyza in absence of Poyos [nag step-up].”
