Angge Poyos and Josh Ybañez delivered for UST in a combined 4-0 week to end the first round of UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments.
A perfect week for the University of Santo Tomas in UAAP volleyball action.
Angge Poyos and Josh Ybañez again showcased remarkable performances, propelling the UST women's and men's teams to big victories in the final matches of the first round in the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments.
Poyos led the Golden Tigresses and Ybañez led the Golden Spikers to a combined 4-0 record, earning them recognition as the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Players of the Week for their respective divisions, presented by San Miguel Corporation, from March 13 to March 17.
Poyos demonstrated consistent excellence, averaging 20.0 points per game. She particularly shone with a standout performance against UP on March 13, contributing 22 points along with seven excellent digs and receptions.
She followed this up with another impressive showing against Adamson on March 16, tallying 18 points, 10 digs, and 10 receptions.
Poyos' stellar play was instrumental in UST's historic 7-0 sweep in the opening round, marking the school's best start in the Final Four era.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: UST Golden Tigresses sweep round 1 for the first time in Final Four era]
Despite their strong start, the Golden Tigresses remain focused on improvement as they head into the more challenging second round under the guidance of coach Kungfu Reyes.
"I know na marami pa kaming tatrabahuin and marami pa ring ia-adjust sa mga susunod pa na mga games at talagang bawal kaming mag-relax dahil may second round pa," said Poyos, who earned her second Player of the Week plum.
Poyos edged out competitors like Shevana Laput, Chenie Tagaod, Steph Bustrillo, and Lyann De Guzman for the weekly recognition.
Meanwhile, Ybañez showcased his prowess on the court, averaging 22.5 points per outing.
The reigning MVP began with a 21-point performance against UP on March 13, followed by a standout game against Adamson on March 16, where he contributed 24 points and 26 receptions.
Ybañez's efforts helped the Golden Spikers recover from a three-game slump to finish the first round with back-to-back wins and a 4-3 record, placing fourth in the league standings.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: UST escapes Adamson in five sets to gain solo fourth, NU continues mastery over La Salle in men's volleyball]
The sophomore hitter was quick to share credit with his teammates for their collective achievements.
"Masaya ako kasi nakita ko sa mga teammates ko na gustong-gusto nila manalo and of course ako din and ayun nga ginawa namin siya as a team, nanalo kami as a team," said Ybañez.
Ybañez emerged victorious over competitors like Leo Aringo, Martin Bugaoan, Axel Defeo, and John Gay for the Player of the Week award bestowed by the print and online journalists covering the UAAP volleyball beat.