Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado shared the key to UST's first victory in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament.
University of Santo Tomas was staring at a 0-2 record heading to its match against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament Wednesday, Feb. 25.
The Golden Tigresses stumbled against defending champion National U in a sour start to their campaign last Feb. 15. They then ran into a well-oiled La Salle squad a week later to collect their second loss.
Something must be done, and it all starts with their mindset.
"Huwag mag-dwell kung anong nangyari sa past two games namin. Talagang nag-move forward kami at kinalimutan namin 'yong mga nangyari. Nag-focus kami sa present,” said Angge Poyos, who earned the Player of the Game honors for her 21-point effort.
“Mas naging solid and buo kami this time. And I hope na magtuluy-tuloy.”
Poyos consistently delivered for UST in its first two games, where she averaged 17 points.
But she needed help from the rest.
Regina Jurado answered the call.
Regina Jurado gives a thumbs-up to Cassie Carballo. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Finding her mark
After scoring a combined 12 points in her first two games, Jurado found her touch against the Blue Eagles, finishing with 12 markers, with all but one coming off attacks. She also had 12 excellent digs.
“Nagtiwala lang talaga ako sa decision making ng coaches kasi sila naman talaga 'yong nandoon sa training process, and I know lahat ng ginagawa nila ay for the sake ng team," said Jurado.
"And aside doon, if hindi ako nakalaro during those times, nagta-try akong mag-help sa team through encouragement, lalo na't hindi ako maka-help inside the court.”
Jurado could only be thankful that the Golden Tigresses learned their lesson early on, as they look to get better in the coming games.
“Grateful lang din kay Lord. Naging wakeup call 'yong first two games," said Jurado.
"Siguro, gagawin naming inspiration ito. At least alam na namin 'yong adjustments na gagawin namin as a team. Para moving forward, mas magaan and mas pagtrabahuan pa namin 'yong mga susunod na games.”
Also supporting Poyos and Jurado were middle blocker Marga Altea, who produced three denials in her eight-point output, and Xyza Gula (seven points).
Donna De Leon was the lone Ateneo player in double digits with 10 points.
The Blue Eagles fell to 0-3.
The Golden Tigresses return to action in their homecourt, the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, where they will face University of the East, Saturday, Feb. 28.
Ateneo, meanwhile, gets ready for its clash with long-time rival La Salle at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Sunday, March 1.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter 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.