UST rookie Angeline Poyos during the Tigresses’ win over the UE Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Angge Poyos got the better of Casiey Dongallo in a showdown between super rookies as University of Santo Tomas scraped past University of the East to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday.
Poyos and Dongallo, two of the top high school recruits heading into the season, did not disappoint in their keenly awaited duel in the collegiate ranks with the UST rookie erupting for 24 points in the 18-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-22 win at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We faced each other a couple of times in high school and all I can say is she’s really talented. Skills-wise, she’s good. Thankfully, we won,” said Poyos in Filipino after firing 19 attacks, three aces, and two blocks on top of 11 excellent receptions.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
Angge Poyos on facing Casiey Dongallo. #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/1hgamiTZGA
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 21, 2024
“In the first set, we relaxed but we were able to adjust until the fourth set. We just stuck to the system and executed our plays.”
Poyos, a UST high school product, battled California Academy star Dongallo in the Rebisco Volleyball League and LGR tournament when they were in Grade 12.
It’s their first matchup at the collegiate level and both outside spikers were left impressed with each other’s game.
Angeline Poyos.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“Poyos is really a great player, knowing that she’s not that tall, but she’s talented. That’s all I can say she’s good and strong,” said Dongallo in Filipino after carrying UE with 23 points and 13 digs.
Poyos and Dongallo entered the game with a lot of hype surrounding them, especially after their rousing debuts last Sunday, where Poyos powered UST past last year’s runner-up National University and Dongallo recorded the most points by a debuting player with 27 in a victory over Ateneo.
The 20-year-old Poyos said she wanted to redeem herself with a higher spiking percentage, hitting a 19-of-40 clip as UST shared the early 2-0 lead with defending champion La Salle in the standings.
“I was satisfied with my game today because I gave my best and was able to make up for my mistakes during our first game,” said the 5-foot-8 Poyos. “I can say that I was able to redeem myself in this game and I hope will continue to be consistent for my team in our next games.”
READ: Dongallo eager to make UE a winner in UAAP volleyball
Casiey Dongallo on facing Angge Poyos. #UAAPSeason86 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/2OubaG9OsE
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 21, 2024
Dongallo remained proud of the Lady Warriors despite the first loss as they seek to work on their lapses ahead of their next match against Far Eastern University on Sunday.
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“We still have a lot to work on. We have to move faster inside the court so we can keep up with the pace of other teams,” Dongallo said.
Poyos and the Tigresses aim to stay unbeaten against a much taller La Salle Lady Spikers side on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“We have a really huge height differential compared to them. But we know that we can beat them. We may be shorter but we have the speed and we will try to outwit them,” said Poyos.