Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos is more than eager to bounce back after the Golden Tigresses settled for silver in the UAAP Season 86.
As the NU Bulldogs shouted in jubilation, signaling the end of the championship dream for the UST Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 86 on Wednesday night, Angge Poyos made her way from the bench to the court, eventually joining her teammates in a huddle.
The physical toll of the right ankle injury, coupled with the emotional strain of losing the title, left Poyos feeling drained and disheartened.
As the UST hymn began to play, the embattled rookie stood silently, her eyes fixed from afar, unable to summon the tears that threatened to spill over.
But then, as the hymn neared its end, something shifted within Poyos. She felt a surge of determination course through her veins, a fierce resolve to bounce back stronger than ever.
“For me, sobrang nakakapanghinayang. Kinapos lang. Personally naman feeling ko wala akong masyadong inambag kanina kasi nga gawa ng injury ko,” bared Poyos, who only managed a point in the last match of the season.
“Sobrang ang dami lang nagsi-sink sa utak ko na pangyayari. Gusto ko na kaagad bumawi. Iniisip ko na next year sa amin naman ‘yung gold, kami naman mahuhulugan ng confetti,” she then continued.
“Mas malakas talaga ‘yung gigil ko keysa sa lungkot.”
Poyos, who commanded the spotlight all season long as the latest rookie sensation, showed unwavering determination for UST.
The Rookie of the Year expressed readiness to contribute in any capacity in Game 2, even considering a role as libero. Ultimately, her assessment earlier in the day confirmed her ability to jump with minimal discomfort, leading to a surprise start for the Golden Tigresses.
Unfortunately, the gamble didn't last long, nor did it lead to a win.
“First time ko kasi tumalon kanina. Kaya ko naman pero ginagawa ko nga ‘yung best ko pero kinapos pa rin,” Poyos said.
“Kung ano man ‘yung ikakabuti ng team, doon ako. Kung saan man dadalhin, doon ako. Confident naman ako kung saan ako ilalagay na posisyon.”
Despite the painful conclusion to such a promising season, Poyos finds solace in gratitude..
“Grateful pa rin ako kasi nakaabot kami dito sa Finals. Sobrang laking thankful sa mga coaches kasi binigyan pa rin nila ako ng tiwala. Triny ko best ko pero medyo hindi pa kinaya. Ayun nga, marami pa kaming time para bumawi. Sobrang haba pa ng career namin,” she shared.
Poyos also takes pride in UST’s unexpected but convincing run. Despite having a relatively young team, the Golden Tigresses reached the Finals and secured a commendable silver finish.
“Sobrang proud lang din kasi first season ko ‘to sa collegiate. Hindi man kami nag champion ngayon, for sure next year pagbubutihin namin na makuha ‘yung gold medal,” Poyos said.
“Ang babata namin and sobrang dami pa kaming mae-experience sa susunod na taon. Gagawin nalang namin ‘tong inspirasyon.”