By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Coming off a win in their last game, four Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws powered their way against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, to achieve their first win streak in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament earlier today, March 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Gerzel Petallo led the scoring with 12 points, followed by Chenie Tagaod and Mitzi Panangin with 11 each. Player of the Game Alyzza Devosora then pitched in nine markers of her own.

Errors riddled the Lady Tamaraws from the get-go despite them quickly filling the stat sheet with attacks, blocks, and aces, resulting in a 6-8 start.

Morayta setters Tin Ubaldo and Karyll Miranda constructed a shared offense throughout the set, but it was ineffective against UE libero Ange Reyes’ floor defense, 16-19.

With both squads burning timeouts, the green-and-gold squad ultimately took the set through continued efficiency, with Chenie Tagaod bringing a spark off the bench, 25-23.

Another 6-8 start for FEU took place in the second set, but it was UE’s attacking prowess that gave them problems that time around.

Still, the Morayta-based volleybelles eventually overtook the Recto squad in attacks with 18 to the latter’s 14 in the frame, enough to take another set, 25-19.

After a 5-5 start in the third frame, the Lady Tamaraws maintained their offensive variety to grab a comfortable grip on the lead until the match point delivered through an Ubaldo ace, 25-20.

In the post-game press conference, FEU head coach Tina Salak mentioned how their hard work became worth it as they enjoy their recent success. 

“Worth it ‘yung [pagod] namin. Sobrang malaking preparation din ‘to para sa upcoming games namin… [Magiging] malaking motivation din sa mga bata. And of course, gusto rin naming i-improve pa ‘yung kulang namin today kasi marami pa ring lapses (The exhaustion is worth it. This is also a great preparation for our upcoming games… This will also be a massive motivation for the kids. And of course, we also want to work on our issues today because we still have a lot),” the lead tactician said.

She also stated her hope in extending their good play to achieve their primary goal of reaching the Final Four.

“Looking forward siyempre, mas maganda ‘yung ganitong trend. Nag-a-eye kami[ng] makapasok ng Final Four… At the end of the day, kailangan namin mag-aim sa goal pa rin… Siguro madadapa nang konti pero tuloy pa rin (Looking forward, of course, it would be great if this trend continues. We are eyeing the Final Four… At the end of the day, we need to aim for the goal… We might stumble from time to time but we continue nonetheless),” Salak added.

The Lady Tamaraws gear up to improve their 3-2 winning record in their third game of the week against Adamson University on Saturday, March 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)