The UST Golden Tigresses failed to capitalize on their 2-1 set advantage as the FEU Lady Tamaraws made an impressive comeback to win in five sets in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 13.
Angge Poyos made her return to the University of Santos Tomas lineup after a one-game absence due to an illness, seeing action during the Golden Tigresses’ crucial match against Far Eastern University last Saturday, April 13.
But ahead 2-1 in sets, Poyos was spotted sitting on the bench, being treated by the Golden Tigresses coaching staff.
Angge Poyos was attended to by the UST Golden Tigresses coaching staff during their match against the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, April 13 | Photo (c) UAAP
With this, the Lady Tamaraws took advantage as they forced a fifth set against UST, and later used that momentum to secure the huge upset victory, 19-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: FEU secures last Final Four slot after five-set victory against UST]
Poyos finished the match with 20 points built on 14 attacks, two blocks, and four service aces.
When asked about the star hitter’s condition after the match, head coach Kungfu Reyes explained their decision to have their super rookie sit out the crucial set and only come back in the fifth.
“Medyo nagiging shaky na 'yung bukod dun sa galaw, hindi ko na tinatanong kung pagod siya, ang tinatanong ko, 'Nilalamig ka ba?' Kaya nung fourth set, nagsesenyasan kami kasi nga maingay, tinatanong ko kung malamig siya,” Reyes told reporters after the match.
“‘Yung sa scoring talagang maasahan mo pero 'yung 100% nung nararamdaman niya pa physcially, meron pang konting residue pa 'yung pagiging unstable niya nung past few days,” he added.
Aside from Angge's physical woes, it didn’t help that UST committed 36 errors in the match. However, Reyes was one to laud the Lady Tamaraws for their effort against his squad.
“Ang ganda lang talaga ng ginalaw ni FEU, so 'yung unforced error namin, especially nung fourth set, dun kami [nadale]. Medyo mabigat 'yung three-consecutive errors especially nung endgame,” said Reyes.
Sitting with a 10-2 record and tied for first place with, UST must win its remaining games against the University of the East and De La Salle University for an opportunity to contend for one of the two twice-to-beat advantages in the Final Four, something that should greatly boost the Golden Tigresses' title drive this season.
The UE showdown comes on April 21, but the highly-anticipated duel with the Lady Spikers is set for April 27.