By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

With her comeback to the preseason lineup, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Jazlyn Ellarina stepped up to mount a dominant victory against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lady Panthers, 25-13, 25-15, 25-17, in the 2024 Shakey's Super League National Invitationals earlier today, July 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila City.

The middle blocker led the green-and-gold volleybelles in scoring with seven attacks and one block in just two sets.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Ellarina expressed her joy to be able to guide the team to a win even without their usual starters.

"Masaya kasi nabigyan ako ng opportunity to be a starter. Nagtiwala sa'kin 'yung coaches na magagampanan ko 'yung tungkulin [ko] nang maayos (I'm happy because I was given the opportunity to be a starter. The coaches trusted me that I would be able to fulfill my role well)," she said.

The Lady Tams took early momentum with a barrage of attacks to lead 8-2 moving onto the first technical timeout.

Despite committing nine unforced errors, FEU remained in the driver's seat to take the first set, 25-13.

The same story played out in the second set as the Morayta-based squad continued asserting their dominance, going up 8-3 before the first break.

Combining for nine points in the frame, Ellarina and Melody Pons buried USPF to add to their match advantage, 25-15.

With the comfortable 2-0 lead, the green-and-gold volleybelles displayed a whole new lineup in the third set to rest up their starters.

Even with the change, the Lady Tams' offense proved too much for the Lady Panthers' solid defense, claiming their first win in the tournament, 25-17.

With their first win recorded, Ellarina also spoke on the clean execution that the team had to be successful.

"Syempre, masarap sa feeling kasi na-win namin nang maayos. Hindi kami nagkalat at napakita namin 'yung talagang talent ng isa't isa (Of course, it's a good feeling because we won properly. We did not make a mess on the court and we got to show each other's talents)," she said.

Pons also led the scoring with eight points of her own while fellow rookie Lovely Lopez contributed with six markers.

FEU will aim to build up a winning streak in their next match against Lyceum of the Philippines University on Friday, July 12, at the same venue.

(Photo courtesy of Patrick Pampilon/FEU Athletics)