UAAP: Poyos makes history as UST beats Adamson for Final 4 berth

MANILA (UPDATE) — University of Sto. Tomas was able to recover from their previous defeat and has returned to the win column of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

This, after the Golden Tigresses scored a 22-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-20 win over Adamson University on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Angge Poyos was stellar in the 9-1 España-based squad’s win, putting up a history-making 31 points that were built on 27 attacks, three aces, and a block — the highest production-ever for a rookie in a single game.

Thanks in large part to Poyos' explosive performance, the Tigresses have now punched their ticket to the Final 4.

"Thankful [ako] kasi comeback game for us kasi natalo kami nung last game namin against NU," said the Bohol native who also had six digs and five receptions in their victory.

"Thankful kasi nakapag-contribute pa rin ako sa team. Nagka-break, ginawa ko yun, nag-reflect ako at nag-recover. Thankful kasi nakabalik at thankful din ako sa mga teammates ko kina ate kasi patuloy silang kumakapit at lumalaban para sa team," she added. 

Also standing out for UST were Jonna Perdido and Reg Jurado who had 12 each, while Bianca Plaza had seven.

Head coach Kung Fu Reyes, meanwhile, credited the Tigresses’ preparation as they made their third straight semifinal appearance.

"Well-prepared naman 'yung team. May kasamang swerte at nakuha namin 'yung bagay na inaasam namin na at least makapasok kami sa Final Four. Ngayon, nandito na. I think kami 'yung unang nag-reach ngayon ng Final Four," said the concurrent Cherry Tiggo mentor.

"Happy kasi nga yung hard work ng mga bata, 'di mo matatawaran, [pati] yung sakripisyo. At least sila mismo, nakikita nila 'yung dividend nung tinatrabaho nila as of the moment," he added. 

On the other hand, Barbie Jamili led Adamson with 20 markers, 13 receptions, and seven digs, Ishie Lalongisip and Ayesha Juegos got 14 and 12, respectively, but they fell to 2-7 in the standings. 

UST returns to the taraflex next Wednesday when it battles the University of the Philippines at the same Pasay venue, while Adamson will seek to end its slump on Tuesday against Far Eastern University at the Araneta Coliseum.