The UST Golden Tigresses are only as strong as the players' effort, and against the UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 88, Angge Poyos stepped up to the challenge.
The UST Golden Tigresses received a massive boost of energy from Angge Poyos in a crucial win over the UP Fighting Maroons, 16-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-20, in their UAAP Season 88 encounter at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, March 11.
UST, who were in the middle of an up-and-down start to the season, badly needed momentum as the first round nears its end.
Angge Poyos provided a timely breakthrough game after finishing with 24 points in the four-set victory.
After the match, Poyos said that she felt the need to rise to the occasion amidst the team's shaky campaign. Having been swept by the Adamson Lady Falcons in their last game, the Golden Tigresses needed to figure things out.
"As seniors, talagang need talaga namin mag-step up especially sa mga ganitong moments, mga games," said Poyos.
"Syempre, kami rin yung inaasahan so... Kung anong meron kami, magstick lang kami sa system, and syempre sa mga tinuturo nila coach na hindi naman kami nagsasawang intindihin na matutunan yung mga technical na aspect ng game."
Poyos keyed UST's offense in crucial moments, especially during the bounce back second set where the Golden Tigresses recovered quickly from a lopsided opener.
After some frustrating losses in what has been billed as a redemption season, the Golden Tigresses are ready to break out of their slump.
Regina Jurado also added 16 markers in the victory, while Jonna Perdido added a key boost of 12 points.
With the standings as tight as ever, as UST shares their 3-3 slate with two other teams, Poyos is hoping to take things one game at a time with the bigger goal remaining in her mind all throughout.
"Ayun nga, [yung] mindset ng team one game at a time talaga saka ngayon UP muna. Thankful [kami for the win] kasi tiniyaga talaga namin." she said.
"Slow start man pero second, third, and fourth talagang inilaban namin. Hindi na kami nagtira sa sarili, 100 percent na talaga ‘yung ibinigay namin sa game na ito." she continued.
UST will hope to carry the momentum when they face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, March 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena to cap off their first round campaign.
Meanwhile, UP, who are also at 3-3, will vie for a bounce back win against the Adamson Lady Falcons on Sunday, March 15, at the same Pasay City venue.
Skipper Nina Ytang powered UP's fight against UST with 14 points.
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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.