By Andrei M. Barrantes

With both teams undefeated prior to their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament matchup at the FilOil EcoOil Centre today, February 19, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws got the short end of the stick against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-23, 23-25, 17-25, 23-25.

Early troubles welcomed the Lady Tams as the opposing Diliman squad put up a hefty fight, countering their early offense with on-point blocking. 

After trailing for most of the first set, it was not until green-and-gold rookie Clarisse Loresco scored four straight points and one service ace that they claimed their first lead, 17-16.

Morayta-based spiker Alyzza Devosora entered the party as well with three quick markers to claim the set, 25-23.

Despite escaping the first set, the green-and-gold squad trailed yet again in the second, this time in wider margins.

It was Lovely Lopez at the helm of their late-game effort at a comeback. While the Morayta volleybelles came close at down two points, the Fighting Maroons sealed their comeback attempts, 23-25.

FEU’s offense continued to be ineffective against the Fighting Maroons entering the third set. Their blocking and exploitation of the former’s floor defense doomed the Lady Tamaraws to a deficit as big as eight. 

In the fourth set, Tamaraw middle blocker Jaz Ellarina served as the spark plug for FEU, perfectly timing blocks and tip-ins. 

The Lady Tams took the lead for most of the set but lost control after the 19-all deadlock. Despite key substitutions and favorable defense, the green-and-gold squad still endured their first loss, 23-25.

Loresco led in scoring with 11 points including three service aces, followed by Chenie Tagaod who chipped in 10 markers in nine attacks.

Ellarina and foreign student-athlete Faida Bakanke also added eight apiece with the former stuffing four blocks on the Fighting Maroons.

FEU now has a kink on their record, falling to 1-1. The Morayta volleybelles have a chance to get back to the win column on Sunday, February 23, against National University at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)