By MARK REY MONTEJO
Angge Poyos gave rookie Shaina Nitura a lesson she will remember in the next few years.
Poyos took the spotlight despite Nitura’s explosive game as she anchored University of Santo Tomas over Adamson, 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25, for their third consecutive win in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday, March 1, at Mall of Asia Arena.
Poyos, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, showed her prowess on the offensive end, mainly in the fourth set where she unleashed timely kills that outshone freshmen Nitura and Frances Mordi who tried to rally the Lady Falcons to an extension.
The hard-earned triumph marked UST’s third straight victory after yielding to Far Eastern University in four sets in its first game this year.
Poyos, the pride of Balilihan, Bohol, put up a stellar statline of 21 points off 20 kills and one block with five excellent digs and eight excellent receptions for UST while Regina Jurado and Athena Abbbu, who also had clutch distributions, listed 17 and 10 points, respectively.
Also starring for UST was last year’s best setter Cassie Carballo who registered 20 excellent sets with three points and four excellent digs
“Sobrang hirap nilang kalaban actually kasi parang same kami ng play… Thankful din ako sa teammates ko kasi nag-stick kami sa plan namin, so naging successful naman pero malayo pa,” said team captain Detdet Pepito, who chalked up 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
Nitura, meanwhile, erupted with 28 points built on 26 kills and two aces along with 14 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions which, however, went for naught. Mordi added 13.
The Espana-based squad secured the solo second spot with a 3-1 card while the Falcons went for a 2-2 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, Bella Belen showed the way and sparked National University to a rousing 25-12, 25-11, 25-20 win over the slumping University of the East.
The Lady Bulldogs flexed their might and silenced the Lady Warriors’ weapons to keep the distance from start to finish and clinch their fourth win in as many games this season.
Belen stood out for NU with 18 points off 14 kills, three blocks and one ace with eight excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Vange Alinsug backstopped her with 10 points while setter Lams Lamina posted 12 excellent sets.
Khy Cepada had a quiet seven points for UE, which dropped its fourth match to slip further behind in the standings.
