University of Santo Tomas standout Angge Poyos believed their composure and communication played a key role in their pulsating five-set victory over fancied De La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Wednesday evening, Feb. 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tigresses showed grit under pressure as it bounced back from a 2-1 set deficit and turned back the Lady Spikers, 25-12, 22-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-13, for their second win in three games.

“Yung composure namin sa loob ng court, yun talaga yung nagdala samin, saka yung communication, yun yung pinakaimportante,” said Poyos, last season’s Rookie of the Year Awardee.

“Nawala man kami no’ng second set pero bumalik lang kami sa sistema and nagtiwala lang kami isa’t-isa,” she added.

The victory kept the Tigresses tied for second along with the Adamson Lady Falcons and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, while dealing the Lady Spikers their second loss in three starts near the bottom.

It also extended UST’s dominance over La Salle to four games dating back Season 85.

Poyos carried the cudgels for UST, erupting for 28 points off 24 attacks, three blocks and one ace along with 16 excellent digs before a huge crowd in another classic duel of last season’s semifinalists.

She said when La Salle was two points away from the victory, she reminded her teammates to compose themselves and hang tough.

“Buti na lang may puso kaming lumaban nung fifth set,” added Regina Jurado, who backstopped Poyos with 17 points.

Despite this morale-boosting win, the Tigresses vowed to still go all out in all their matches.

“Sa game naman nung fifth set, sabi nga namin, kung sino yung gustong manalo, siya makakakamit ng panalo,” said deputy coach Yani Fernandez. 

“Yung sinasabi nilang rivalry, talagang panindigan na narin namin. At our end naman, kahit sino mang makalaban namin… pupusuan talaga namin ‘yong game,” he added.