By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws subdued the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons, 22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20, to notch their second win in a nail-biting match in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tourney earlier today, March 1, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Falcons went point-for-point in the opening set, but even with Faida Bakanke and Alyzza Devosora delivering powerful attacks, the green-and-gold squad fell short with just three points, 22-25.

Aiming to shift the momentum during the second frame, the Morayta-based team capitalized on off-the-block plays to trim the deficit and extend their chances, 24-24.

Despite the tight exchanges, Devosora stayed composed to lead crucial attacks to tow FEU its first set win of the match, 30-28.

The Lady Tamaraws brought the same intensity into the third set, with outside hitter Devosora powering through with spikes to maintain the Morayta-based squad’s lead, 16-10.

The green-and-gold volleybelles sustained their rhythm in the latter stretch with Jazlyn Ellarina firing two service aces to close the frame, 25-17.

FEU tightened its defense in the fourth set, rejecting Adamson’s scoring attempts with offensive blocks to protect a three-lead advantage, 20-17. 

A service ace from Tin Ubaldo followed by a sharp attack from Lovely Lopez ultimately sealed the win for the Lady Tamaraws, 25-20.

During the post-game conference, libero Margarett Encarnacion emphasized the importance of consistency as they head onto their future matches.

“Kung hindi namin sisimulan sa sarili namin, hindi namin magagawa ‘yung consistency na gusto ni Coach [Tina Salak]. Mahirap maging consistent kung hindi namin uumpisahan sa sarili namin (If we don’t start with ourselves, we won’t be able to achieve the consistency that Coach Tina Salak wants. It’s hard to be consistent if we don’t begin with ourselves),” the libero expressed.

Bakanke also highlighted the value of communication and teamwork.

“Sometimes you should also depend on your teammate, that’s why I always say to play with each other. So you should feel what [the] other players are feeling, not just your own,” she stated.

Encarnacion clinched Player of the Game honors with 26 excellent digs and 10 receptions, while Bakanke tallied 22 points as the team’s top scorer, followed by Devosora with 18 markers.

Now holding a 2-2 win-loss slate, the Morayta-based squad aims to sustain their dominance against Ateneo de Manila University this Wednesday, March 4, at the same venue.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)