By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

After finishing as the second runners-up last year, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Paddlers improved their placement as the first runners-up of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s table tennis tournament earlier today, November 26, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

FEU took down Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles yesterday in the stepladder semifinals to face the undefeated University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Paddlers in the finals today.

In match one of the showdown, the Morayta squad were able to keep up with the España-based team to force a deciding fifth game.

Unfortunately, Lady Tam Ashly Sobrevilla could not get the better of Tigress Alliah Encarnacion, succumbing to her in the fourth set. FEU then lost the first match to UST, 2-3. 

Hoping to tie up the best-of-three series, green-and-gold paddler Aizel Rom started match two strong against Encarnacion, extending to a clincher fifth set. However, she fell after the frame’s third deuce.

Without momentum on their side, the Lady Tamaraw Paddlers lost grip of the series as they ultimately absorbed a sweep in the second match, resulting in a silver finish.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Morayta-based head coach Noel Gonzalez expressed his pride in the team for giving their best against the formidable UST.

“Very proud ako sa team. Talagang binigay nila ‘yung best at nakarating kami sa finals. Last year, nakuha namin ‘yung third. Ang importante, nakita namin na puwede pala namin silang talunin. Talagang malakas ‘yung lineup nila, eh. ‘Yun lang, medyo hindi pinalad pero next year, babawi kami (I’m very proud of the team. They really gave their best and we reached the finals. Last year, we finished third. The important thing is that we saw that we can beat them despite how strong their team is. Fate just wasn’t in our hands but next year, we will bounce back),” he said.

Gonzalez also emphasized the Tamaraw mentality that the women’s team showcased.

“Ang importante, wala tayong regrets dahil ibinigay niyo ‘yung best sa laro. Ipinakita niyo na ‘yung true-blooded Tamaraws, talagang lumaban hanggang sa huli (The important thing is we don’t have regrets because you gave your best in the game. They showed that true-blooded Tamaraws fight until the end),” he added.

The green-and-gold lead tactician then concluded by citing the learnings that the athletes can bring moving forward despite falling short.

AdMU followed behind FEU and UST to complete the tournament podium.

Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraw Paddlers’ male counterparts exited the tourney with a 2-10 win-loss record after the elimination round two last November 24.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)