By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Following their season opener defeat, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws overpowered the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors with a straight-set victory, 25-20, 25-14, 25-14, during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament earlier today, February 18, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

The first set kicked off with the Lady Tamaraws failing to seize full control as UE’s Khy Cepada kept the scoring gap within reach, contributing attacks that went through FEU’s defenses, 14-16.

Despite the setback, the Morayta-based squad quickly gained momentum behind Tin Ubaldo’s consecutive 1-2 plays, followed by a service ace from Jazlyn Ellarina and a powerful spike from Faida Bakanke to close the opening set, 25-20.

Carrying their rhythm into the second frame, the green-and-gold squad initiated a 5-0 blitz, 14-5. 

Ellarina then continued to find openings in the Lady Warriors’ defenses with her spikes, before Bakanke sealed the second set with a decisive hit, 25-14.

During the third set, Ellarina and Ubaldo teamed up to block UE’s attempts and gain the upperhand, 12-7.

Sure enough, the Lady Tamaraws stood firm on their net defense before Bakanke capped the rally with a commanding spike, 22-13. 

Alyzza Devosora and middle blocker Mitzi Panangin delivered the final three markers of the match to complete a straight-set victory, 25-14.

During the post-game conference, Ubaldo emphasized the importance of their service and passes to ensure a smooth game ahead.

“Serve-pass po talaga ‘yung very crucial sa team, kasi doon kami nakakabuo ng run. Kasi ‘pag nahirapan kami sa first ball, most probably, maganda ‘yung magiging daan sa kalaban (The serve-pass is really crucial for the team, since that’s where we build a run. Because when we struggle on the first ball, most probably, the play will go well for the other team),” the setter expressed.

Claiming their first win of the season, Ellarina emphasized the importance of ‘sticking to the system’ for their future games.

"Pero 'yung preparedness po siguro sa mindset namin, kung paano namin siya [i-prepare] na dapat ngayon, kung ano 'yung mga kulang namin, mga lapses namin, is magawa namin ngayon. Andmag-commit sa system ng blockings namin, which is didikit lang sa mga setters [namin] (But it’s really about our mindset and how we prepare it—making sure that we’re able to address what we lacked, and our lapses. And we need to commit to our blocking system, which is to stay close to our setters)," the middle blocker stated.

Ellarina claimed Player of the Game honors with 11 points from five attacks, five blocks, and one ace. Meanwhile, Bakanke also tallied 11 markers, followed by Gerzel Petallo with nine.

Looking to build a win streak, the Lady Tamaraws are set to face defending champions National University on Saturday, February 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)