UST’s Angge Poyos, Josh Ybañez take early control of UAAP Season 88 MVP race after Round 1

As the first round of the UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament wraps up, the race for individual supremacy has begun to take shape—and the early spotlight belongs to the University of Santo Tomas’ star players.

Both divisions currently feature Thomasian standouts at the forefront of the Most Valuable Player conversation. For the women’s side, Angge Poyos has emerged as the early statistical leader, while on the men’s side, two-time MVP Josh Ybañez is once again positioning himself as the player to beat.

Poyos, who already made waves earlier in her collegiate career by claiming the Rookie of the Year honors in Season 86, is building on that promise with a dominant start to the season. 

The UST Golden Tigresses star finished the first round with 156.22 statistical points, giving her a comfortable 9.322-point cushion over her closest challenger.

Trailing her is Shaina Nitura of the Adamson Lady Falcons with 147.200 statistical points, while Angel Canino of the De La Salle Lady Spikers sits in third with 142.800. Rounding out the top five are Adamson’s Nigerian standout Frances Mordi with 139.200 and Gerzel Petallo of the FEU Lady Tamaraws with 137.500.

Beyond the numbers, Poyos has been a major catalyst for UST’s campaign. The third-year outside hitter has scored 111 points through seven games—coming from 95 spikes, 12 blocks, and four service aces which helped the Golden Tigresses secure four victories in the opening round. UST currently sits tied for third place alongside Adamson and FEU in the standings.

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See who’s leading the statistical leaderboard after the end of the First Round in the Women’s Volleyball Tournament of #UAAPSeason88!

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— The UAAP (@uaap_official) March 16, 2026

Find out who’s dominating the statistical points leaderboard at the end of the First Round in the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of #UAAPSeason88!

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Efficiency has also been one of Poyos’ defining strengths this season. She leads the entire women’s tournament in spiking efficiency with a 39.92 percent success rate, underscoring her role as the primary offensive engine of the Golden Tigresses.

On the men’s side, Ybañez is once again proving why he has already captured two MVP trophies. The UST Golden Spikers captain topped the men’s statistical race after Round 1 with 158.000 statistical points, placing him firmly on course for what could be a third MVP award.

The national team standout tallied 121 total points through seven matches built on 110 spikes, seven service aces, and four blocks to rank third in the league in scoring. His offensive efficiency remains impressive, posting a 41.98 percent spiking success rate and averaging 0.28 service aces per set.

However, Ybañez’s impact extends beyond offense. His defensive contributions have been equally vital, ranking second in the league with a 62.14 percent efficiency rate.

The Golden Spikers ended the first round with a 5–2 record, tied for second place with National University. Their strong position in the standings reflects the consistent production from their leader on both ends of the floor.

Still, the MVP race in the men’s division remains far from settled. The NU tandem of Michaelo Buddin and Leo Ordiales are close behind with 153.750 and 152.083 statistical points, respectively. Meanwhile, the undefeated FEU Tamaraws are also represented in the race through Dryx Saavedra (127.083) and Mikko Espartero (124.583), who complete the top five.

With the first half of the tournament complete, attention now shifts to the crucial second round where the standings and the MVP race could dramatically change. The next phase of the competition begins Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where UE Red Warriors face FEU Tamaraws and NU Bulldogs take on the UP Fighting Maroons.

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