A shorthanded University of Sto. Tomas team clinched its 10th win in 11 matches against the bottom-ranked University of the Philippines in what has been a promising UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball campaign so far.
UST played without its two star rookies: leading scorer Angge Poyos and middle blocker Em Banagua.
Poyos, a candidate for Rookie-MVP averaging 22 points, 6.7 receptions, and six digs in 10 games, missed her first match of the season. Meanwhile, Banagua has been sidelined for UST’s past two matches since UAAP action resumed after the Holy Week break.
Poyos under the weather
UST head coach Kungfu Reyes provided positive updates on the recovery of the two rookies, with Poyos dealing with dizziness and needing rest, while Banagua is expected to fully recover from a knee strain soon.
“Binigay namin ‘yung mas mahalaga para sa kanya (Angge Poyos), which is ‘yung maka-recover muna. Nag-start siya (magkasakit) nung Sunday. Medyo under the weather (na siya nu’n) pero nag-ensayo siya. Supposedly, kagabi mag-tetrain ulit pero medyo dizzy pa yung bata. That’s why 14 kami. Pwede mag-step up ‘yung mga ladies na katabi ko at ‘yung nasa dugout.
“Expect niyo lang na babalik siya by Saturday. Naitawid naman namin yung game na to para sa kanila ni Poyos at Em (Banagua). Nothing serious about kay Poyos. Talagang binigay lang namin yung tamang pahinga para makapag-recover talaga,” said Reyes.
Banagua still recovering from knee strain
Meanwhile, Banagua's return to action for UST may take a bit longer, but she is expected to play in their final elimination round game against La Salle on Apr. 27.
“More on strengthening lang (tapos) maglalaro na siya. Hindi ko alam (‘yung term) pero sa tuhod, parang may strain lang. Hopefully by next week sa La Salle, makabalik na siya. Cleared na siya ng strength and conditioning team namin,” Reyes told reporters.
UST is set to face semis-seeking Far Eastern University on April 13, followed by matches against University of the East on April 21 and defending champion La Salle.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
