UAAP: Angge Poyos takes responsibility in filling gaps with injury-hit UST

Angge Poyos wears many hats for the UST Golden Tigresses as she takes on the challenge of towing her team in UAAP Season 87, after injuries marred the España team’s campaign early on in the tournament.

 

Dealing with a depleted lineup due to injuries to Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, last season's runners-up have to make do with the hand they’ve been dealt.

 

But thanks to Poyos, who was named UAAP Rookie of the Year last season, the setbacks are a little more manageable.

 

Though she is known to be a prolific scorer, Poyos has been working hard to fill in the gaps left by Perdido and Gula — especially when it comes to their leadership.

 

“For me, mas lumalaki 'yung responsibilidad ko sa team kasi nga 'yung pagkawala ni Ate Jonna, nila Ate Xyza, so parang ang laki ng need namin [i-fill] sa role ng dalawa,” Poyos told reporters at the sidelines after their five-set win over DLSU on Wednesday. 

 

[RELATED: UAAP: UST Golden Tigresses storm back, extend win streak vs DLSU Lady Spikers to four]

 

“So kami, as players, kailangan mag-step up lalo na ako, especially sophomore year ko ngayon. So, need ko mag-lead and need ko mag-step up as a sophomore,” she continued.

 

In the grueling five-set battle with La Salle, Poyos was particularly active on the defensive end, as she ended up with 16 excellent digs and six excellent receptions on top of her 28-point outing.

 

As the opponents focused on her scoring, much like La Salle did successfully in some stretches of their five-setter, Poyos said that she has been working to be more keen on contributing in other areas as well, especially on floor defense.

 

Whether she scores or not, Poyos wants to help her team.

 

“Ayun nga, wino-work hard ko 'yung sa depensa kasi si Ate Jonna, ma-depensa din 'yun. Parang tina-tyaga ko rin sa depensa, especially sa first ball,” she said. 

 

“'Yun talaga yung wino-workout ko so, kung hindi man ako maka-contribute sa isang skill, babawi ako sa ibang department.”

 

Still, Poyos managed to carry her team in scoring when the right adjustments were made and setter Cassie Carballo was able to give her the balls she needed.

 

[READ: Cassie Carballo credits UST ‘support system’ as she regains form against La Salle]

 

In the winner-take-all fifth set, Poyos went on a personal three-point run to keep UST neck-and-neck with La Salle after the latter seized the 7-3 lead early in the canto.

 

Next up for Poyos and company will be the Adamson Lady Falcons whom they face on Saturday, March 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.