Still not at 100%, Angge Poyos takes solace in the fact that there are multiple Golden Tigresses who are heeding the call of UST in the tail-end of the UAAP Season 87 elimination round.
Angge Poyos and the rest of the UST Golden Tigresses are admittedly in a battle against nagging injuries as the final stretch of elimination games drag on in UAAP Season 87, with the Final Four still undecided and a handful of matchups to go.
But the Golden Tigresses had a couple of revelations during their three-set victory over the listless UE Lady Warriors on Saturday afternoon.
[READ: UAAP: UST moves towards cusp of Final Four with sweep vs UE]
That is, there are more than a few players that the Golden Tigresses can lean on when the going gets tough.
For last year’s UAAP Rookie of the Year Poyos, this is more than crucial as she is able to share the scoring load. Though Reg Jurado remains a steady contributor, other names have risen to the top, just like Beth Hilongo, Marga Altea, Kyla Cordora, and Ashlee Knop to name a few.
After having to battle similar injuries last year, when she missed a good chunk of Round 2 because of health issues, Poyos is happy to see her teammates have the next woman up mindset.
“Sobrang gaan lang sa loob na nakita ko 'yung iba na nasa bench na nakapasok and nakakapag-contribute, especially si Ate Ky, sila Ashley, sila Knop. So, ayun, malaking bagay and ayun nga na mas nagagaan yung trabaho namin and especially mas umiikot yung mga tao namin,” said Poyos, who still finished with a game-high 12 points in the win over UE.
Truth to be told, Poyos said that she is still nursing some aches, especially in her legs and knees. Despite the pains, she's eager to give her best and provide whatever the team needs.
“Ako kasi personally, simula ng second round parang may sumasakit na sa legs namin or ako personally na sumasakit yung tuhod ko,” said Poyos.
“Binibigyan naman kami ng proper na pahinga and recovering nila coach… Malaking tulong na 'yun and 'yun nga, kung babalik na kami sa court, mag-deliver pa rin and ibigay pa rin yung best namin, especially sa game.”
Still, count Poyos as her teammates’ biggest supporters when they are able to contribute what they can to the team.
[RELATED: UAAP: Kyla Cordora happy to make presence felt in crucial stretch for UST]
For UST, it doesn’t matter who gets the point so as long as it’s the Golden Tigresses who are celebrating at the conclusion of the match.
“Siyempre, gusto namin makapasok 'yung ibang teammates namin, gusto namin makapag-contribute sila. So ito na 'yung time, ito na 'yung chance na ipakita nila 'yung best nila,” said Poyos.
“Kasi nga, papasok na sa final four… marami [nang] sumasakit. So, kung sino man 'yung gagamitin na tao, talagang need nila mag-step up and grateful naman na nag-step up 'yung teammates ko.” she added.
Before the Golden Tigresses return to action, there will be a lengthy Holy Week break. They face the UP Fighting Maroons in their first game back on April 23, Wednesday, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.