By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

After experiencing a reverse sweep during the first round, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws delivered a gritty victory against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 21-25, 22-20, to secure their sixth win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament earlier today, March 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Led by attacks from Jaz Ellarina, Alyzza Devosora, and Lovely Lopez, the green-and-gold squad successfully thwarted the Lady Bulldogs’ attempts to gain a first-set advantage, 25-23.

FEU carried their momentum into the second frame, with Tin Ubaldo’s one-two plays and combined blocks from Faida Bakanke and Ellarina to deny NU’s offensive efforts, 25-23.

However, the Morayta-based volleybelles committed multiple errors in the third set, missing the chance to sweep the Lady Bulldogs, 20-25.

Entering the fourth frame, Mitzi Panangin delivered two points throughout the set to give the green-and-gold team an edge. However, Lady Bulldog Sam Cantada immediately answered back with an offensive push to force an extended set, 21-25.

Despite Bakanke’s early offensive efforts to open the fifth set, FEU still trailed behind NU by three points, 5-8.

A down-the-line hit from Lopez successfully sparked a comeback, bringing the Morayta-based squad to a deadlock, 15-15.

The green-and-gold volleybelles refused to succumb to the blue-and-gold volleybelles, with both teams trading points until Ellarina’s ace sealed the victory for FEU, 22-20.

In order to obtain the win, Lady Tamaraws assistant coach Manolo Refugia emphasized the team’s preparation and patience in facing the Lady Bulldogs in the second round.

“Talagang pahabaan ng pasensiya lalo na ngayong second round, lalo na lahat ng teams naka-adjust na, so ‘yung magiging crucial talaga is ‘yung preparation na ginagawa. Habaan talaga ng pasensiya kasi every time na kalaban namin si NU, napakahirap, sobra pa sa fifth set na one to 15 ang laban (It’s a test of who can stay patient the longest, especially now in the second round. All the teams have already adjusted, so what’s truly crucial is how we prepare for it. We have to extend our patience because every time we face NU, it’s extremely difficult, even during the fifth set where it’s a race to 15),” Refugia stated during the post-game conference.

Meanwhile, Devosora highlighted the importance of perseverance and the motivation to deliver a different output this time around.

“‘Yung NU, champion mindset sila palagi, kami [naman] ‘di kami masyado bumibitaw. Masyadong mahirap kalabanin ‘yung NU kaya tiyanatiyaga namin ‘yung NU. Ayun, pukpukan kami sa training kaya alam namin na prepared kami. [Tulad ng] round one, same ‘yung nangyari pero this time kailangan namin kunin ‘yung panalo (NU always has a champion mindset, and we don’t give up easily either. They’re really difficult to face against so we have to stay patient when facing them. We go all out during training so we know we’re prepared. During round one, the same thing happened but this time, we need to secure the win),” she shared. 

Lopez secured Player of the Game honors with a triple-double performance of 19 points, 14 digs, and 25 excellent receptions, while Devosora notched 16 markers, 11 excellent receptions, and 8 digs.

Meanwhile, Bakanke tallied 22 points from 18 spikes and four blocks, and 11 digs, while Margarett Encarnacion delivered 30 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.

With a 6-3 win-loss card, FEU remains in the hunt for a Final Four berth as they face University of Santo Tomas (UST) on March 29 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)