Angge Poyos will be vying for a better showing in UST's UAAP Season 88 campaign after what she deemed to be an unsatisfactory performance in Season 87.
Angge Poyos is seeking a bounce back campaign both for herself and the UST Golden Tigresses as they prepare for battle in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament.
Poyos had a down year in Season 87 in comparison to her Rookie of the Year introduction in Season 86, which also result in a Finals appearance for the Golden Tigresses.
But with the disappointment of last year's third place finish behind them, Poyos and UST are ready to turn over a new leaf for Season 88.
“Personally talaga, after ng rookie year ko, yun nga, sinabi ko nga sa mga interview na hindi ako satisfied sa mga performance ko last season. For me, bumaba yung laro ko,” Poyos said.
“So, for now yung growth ko naman this season yung marami akong wino-workout, especially sa mga individual skills, sa mental na aspect, yun talaga yung parang wino-workout ko talaga ngayon. Sana, sana matutunan ko pa and sana magawa ko,” she added.
For the new season, change coincides with Poyos’ bid for growth — with head coach Shaq delos Santos taking over the reins for UST.
With a fresh opportunity in Season 88, Poyos didn’t shy away from acknowledging UST's status as title contender.
“Marami talaga expectation [sa team namin], hindi naman nawala yun," she said.
"Like, kung nung Season 86, parang no expectation kami, eto marami na kami expectation na need talaga namin gawin. Especially sa mga players na need talaga namin mag-perform sa Season 88,” Poyos added.
More than a feeling
As far as Poyos is concerned, it’s not just mindset that will be the key to their success this year.
The UST ace is hoping for a clean bill of health, especially as nagging injuries derailed some of their success starting in that aforementioned Season 86 Finals.
Raring for another lengthy season that brings top-level competition, a fit-again Poyos is ready for anything.
Angge Poyos is hitting her stride at just the right time for the UST Golden Tigresses. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
“Yes, condition ako ngayon, like 100 percent. Wala namang nararamdaman,” Poyos said, as the Tigresses also welcome back Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula from the injury list.
The team's resolve will be tested right away, as the Golden Tigresses challenge defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, February 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.