By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws’ 23 block-point performance gave the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors a four-set upset, 25-16, 18-25, 25-23, 25-16, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 women’s volleyball tourney held earlier today, April 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Green-and-gold best player of the game Chenie Tagaod led the blocking department with a six-point output while middle blocker Mitzi Panangin produced five block points for the winning team.

During a post-game interview, FEU Head Coach Tina Salak commended the team’s coaching staff for the season-high blocking output of the Lady Tamaraws.

“Sobrang commendable ng coaches na nag-e-effort talaga ro’n sa [pag-train sa] blockings at saka para tulungan sila sa timing ng blocks, and then ako, ‘yung appreciation, hindi na kailangan ng words galing sa players eh, it’s ‘yung execution (The coaches are very commendable for the effort they give to train the blockings and help them to time their blocks, and for me, the appreciation, they don’t need words from the players, it’s the execution),” she said.

Salak also added that the team is still looking to enter the final four by aiming to win their remaining games for the second round with their current standing in the tournament.

“Hindi naman masamang mangarap nang gising, kung pwede naming matalo ‘yung remaining games, ‘yun talaga sure ball ‘yung [spot sa] final four (It’s not bad to daydream, if we can win the remaining games, a final four spot is a sure ball),” she mentioned.

The Morayta-based volleybelles are now at an even 5-5 win-loss record and will try to extend their winning streak against the National University Lady Bulldogs after the two-week window break on April 16 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)