By Joshua Kyle Beltran

Despite their ups and downs, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo gave credit to the team’s solid chemistry after a Finals heartbreak to the National University (NU) Bulldogs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals earlier today, May 9, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“For me, test of ano ‘to, eh, test of friendship, test of character, test of relationship… Kasi, alam natin ‘yan kapag may pangit na nangyayari, nagwawatak-watak lahat ng kasama. Pero kami, masasabi ko na, every time na dumadating 'tong part na ‘to, mas lalo naming [pinagbubutihan], ‘yung lalo pa kami dapat maging buo [para] dun sa gusto namin (We know that when something goes wrong, it will affect everyone. But for us, I can proudly say that when we experience this, we focus on how to get better),” he said in the post-game conference.

With the team once again experiencing the fate of an emotional silver finish behind NU, Orcullo stressed how they should never settle; instead, stay even hungrier. 

“Tulad niyan, another heartbreak na naman ‘yan, eh. Siguro, kailangan ulit ‘yan pagtrabahuan… Hindi sapat ‘yung ‘sapat na,’ eh. Dapat gigilan pa nang konti (It’s another heartbreak. I believe that we should work on it more, because settling is not enough. We should be more hungry),” he added.

On the bright side

For Orcullo, one of his greatest reliefs is having an injury-free run despite the team’s long and grueling climb to a 26th title. 

“Maraming salamat kasi walang disgrasya sa player. ‘Yung laro namin, masasabi ko na nasa okay pa rin na part kasi una,walang nadisgradya sa amin, walang major injury… I think naging maayos naman ‘yung takbo namin (I am grateful because no one got hurt, and we still performed our best),” he shared.

Fully aware of the harsh criticism toward the team, the green-and-gold head coach also mentioned that he always made sure the team kept their heads up.

FEU may not have gotten their desired comeback story, but Orcullo makes sure one thing stays clear — that their brotherhood is their strongest asset.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)