By Aine Peralta 

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws powered through the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles with their strong teamwork, 25-17, 25-17, 26-24, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tourney earlier today, March 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

To execute their balanced performance, the green-and-gold squad leaned on Faida Bakanke’s 12 points, with Gerzel Petallo adding 13 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs. 

Meanwhile, Jaz Ellarina recorded 11 markers built on five spikes, three aces, and three blocks, while Clarisse Loresco contributed eight points.

FEU opened the match on a strong note, pulling ahead with key serves from Loresco and attacks from Bakanke to take the set, 25-17. 

The Lady Tamaraws carried their momentum into the second frame, racing to an early lead behind Bakanke’s offense and solid net defense, 16-8.

The green-and-gold volleybelles sustained a steady cushion throughout the second set, with major contributions from Loresco and Lovely Lopez anchoring the front line en route to another 25-17 set win.

In the third set, the Morayta-based spikers fell behind after several reception errors, allowing the Katipunan-based team to push ahead, 8-11.

Trying to overtake the lead, the Lady Tamaraws faced multiple back-and-forths until Ellarina delivered a clutch service ace to tie the set at 23-all.

After a series of deadlocks in the closing stretch, Lopez broke the final stalemate with a decisive attack to complete the 26-24 comeback.

During the postgame conference, FEU head coach Tina Salak commended the team’s character development.

“Actually, may mga times na nakikita natin ‘yung character ng players natin kapag behind tayo sa game. Kung paano sila mag-respond, doon ako nagiging happy compared before na kapag lamang na ng lima, nawawalan na ng pag-asa (Actually, there are times when we get to see our players’ character when we’re behind in a game. How they respond, that’s what makes me happy, compared to before, when even a five-point deficit would make them lose hope),” she said.

Meanwhile, Lopez expressed her joy in being on the court and contributing to decisive moments.

“Happy lang ako na naglalaro and ine-enjoy ko lang po every moment na nasa loob po ako ng court (I’m just happy to play and I’m enjoying every moment I’m inside the court),” she shared.

With a 3-2 win-loss record, the Morayta-based volleybelles aim to extend their winning streak as they return to action on March 8, Sunday, against University of the Philippines at the same venue.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)