MANILA — University of Santo Tomas stars Angeline Poyos and Josh Ybañez surged to the top of the Most Valuable Player race after the first round of the UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournaments, anchoring their teams’ strong starts with dominant all-around performances.
Poyos leads the women’s field with 156.22 statistical points (SP), creating early separation from Adamson University’s Shaina Nitura, who has 147.20 SP, and De La Salle University captain Angel Canino with 142.80 SP.
The third-year Golden Tigresses standout powered UST to a 4–3 record in the opening round, tallying 111 total points built on 95 attacks, 12 blocks, and four service aces. She also tops the league in spiking efficiency with an impressive 39.92 percent success rate.
Nitura, last season’s Rookie of the Year, emerged as the top scorer of the first round with 136 points, coming from 124 attacks, eight blocks, and four aces. She also proved her all-around value by ranking among the top 10 in both digs and receptions.
Canino, the Season 85 Rookie-MVP, placed fourth in scoring with 107 points on 92 attacks, 10 blocks, and five aces. The La Salle skipper remains among the league leaders in both spiking and reception efficiency.
Completing the women’s top five are Adamson’s Frances Mordi with 139.20 SP and Far Eastern University’s Gerzel Petallo with 137.50 SP.
Also making their presence felt in the top 10 are La Salle captain Shevana Laput, FEU middle blocker Jaz Ellarina, National University rookie Sam Cantada, UST opposite hitter Reg Jurado, and Adamson setter Fhei Sagaysay.
In the men’s division, two-time league MVP Ybañez leads the race with 158.00 SP, putting him in prime position to contend for another individual title.
The UST standout delivered 121 points in the opening round, highlighted by 110 attacks, seven aces, and four blocks, while providing steady contributions on defense and service. His efforts propelled the Golden Spikers to a strong 5–2 record.
National University’s Michaelo Buddin and Leo Ordiales remain within striking distance, tallying 153.75 SP and 152.08 SP, respectively, as the MVP race shapes up into a tight battle heading into the second round./PN
