After the first week of UAAP Season 86 volleyball, UST and FEU remain unbeaten, with Angge Poyos and Ariel Cacao named Players of the Week for their standout performances.
After the first week of the UAAP Season 86 men's and women's volleyball tournaments, only two teams remain undefeated—the FEU Tamaraws and the UST Golden Tigresses.
Super rookie Angge Poyos has starred for UST, and her stellar performances earned her recognition as the UAAP Player of the Week for February 17 to 25. The weekly citation is give by the Collegiate Press Corps and is presented by San Miguel Corp.
Through three matches so far, Poyos maintained an impressive average of 20 points, including a season-high of 24 points in a memorable clash with fellow standout rookie Casiey Dongallo from the University of the East.
However, it was her remarkable composure under pressure, particularly evident in the showdown against the defending champion De La Salle, that truly highlighted her talent.
The 5-foot-8 outside hitter contributed crucial points, including four in the deciding set, to aid the Golden Tigresses in a stunning victory over the Lady Spikers.
Despite her consistent performance in UST’s first three games, Poyos is aiming for even greater consistency in the upcoming games.
“Masasabi ko na ito na talaga 'yung performance ko, ito na talaga 'yung Angge pero meron pang ibubuga sa next games,” said Poyos.
“Super happy lang kasi nakapag-contribute nga ako sa team and medyo nagiging consistent na ako this time and I hope sa mga susunod pa na mga games mas ilaban ko pa,” she added.
Poyos was selected over other contenders such as teammate Bernadett Pepito, La Salle’s Angel Canino, and UE’s Dongallo for the weekly recognition, which was voted upon by the print and online journalists consistently covering the UAAP scene.
In men's competition, FEU's setter Ariel Cacao has been orchestrating a well-rounded offense, helping the Tamaraws maintain their undefeated status with a perfect 3-0 record.
The sophomore playmaker contributed 15 excellent sets and five points as FEU swept the winless University of the East, securing the weekly recognition for men's play, supported by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and Jockey.
The 22-year-old Cacao displayed his skills with 14 excellent sets in a victory over the UP Fighting Maroons, where three Tamaraws reached double figures in scoring.
Additionally, he recorded a season-best 24 excellent sets in their four-set win against La Salle.
“Kumpiyansa kasi ako kung sinong bibigyan ko ng bola alam ko na pupuntos, alam ko na aatake nang maayos kasi sa training pa lang ginagawa na nila nang maayos so pagdating ng laro, madali na sa kanila na ipakita 'yun,” said Cacao.
“Magandang simula po sa amin ito kaya mas magkaka-kumpyansa pa 'yung team at sana mas gumanda pa 'yung performance namin sa mga susunod na game.”
Cacao bested UST's Josh Ybañez and La Salle's Noel Kampton for the first men’s volleyball Player of the Week for Season 86.