Anna 
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses have been dealt a significant setback in their pursuit of redemption in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Wing spiker Xyza Gula has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a back injury, the team confirmed in a statement released just days before the highly anticipated season opener on Saturday.
Gula sustained a tailbone fracture after a fall during practice, casting a shadow over UST’s plans as they aim to bounce back from a runner-up finish to National University (NU) in Season 86.
In their official statement, the Golden Tigresses emphasized the importance of Gula’s long-term health, saying, “Her health and future as an athlete are far more important than our campaign.” As a result, Gula will not be part of the lineup for the upcoming season.
The injury comes on the heels of a significant loss earlier in the month when opposite hitter Jonna Perdido suffered an ACL injury, further straining UST’s title aspirations. The absence of both key players will likely have a major impact on the team’s performance, as they were central to the squad’s strong showing in the previous season.
Gula and Perdido had provided crucial support to standout player and Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos during UST’s impressive run last season, which saw the team finish as the second seed behind the powerhouse NU. Despite their valiant effort, the Golden Tigresses were swept 0-2 by NU in the championship series, though the experience proved invaluable as they prepared for a fresh title bid this year.
With Gula and Perdido sidelined, the pressure now falls heavily on Poyos, who was named the UAAP’s Second Best Outside Spiker, as well as team captain and reigning Best Libero Detdet Pepito, to lead the Golden Tigresses through the season.
The Golden Tigresses, along with other UAAP volleyball teams including NU, La Salle, Far Eastern University, Ateneo, University of the East, Adamson, and host University of the Philippines, will gather on Thursday for the UAAP preseason press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena. Coaches, team captains, and representatives from broadcast partner Cignal will be in attendance as anticipation builds for another competitive season of UAAP volleyball.
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