By Leiniel A. Santos

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws cherished their runner-up finish despite falling short against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses, 26-24, 20-25, 21-25, 14-25, in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge finals today, October 4, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

FEU kicked off the game with an early 6-2 run, but after UST head coach Kung Fu’s timeout, the Golden Tigresses bit back with a 6-0 run to gain advantage and reach the first technical timeout. 

Fortunately, with team captain Tin Ubaldo activating Faida Bakanke, the Lady Tamaraws were able to steal the first set, 26-24.

UST started the second set with another 8-6 run led by Reg Jurado, but when Bakanke, Jazlyn Ellarina, and Lovely Lopez reached the frontline, the Lady Tams successfully forced a momentum swing, 17-13.

Unfortunately, Angge Poyos goes full force to lit up UST’s score to tie the match, one set apiece.

During the third set, the green-and-gold volleybelles early momentum collapsed as they committed four consecutive attack errors, 6-7.

The Morayta-based squad dropped the third set as UST’s wing trio of Poyos, Jurado, and Johna Perdido dominated their offense.

FEU then struggled to turn things around and force a deciding set as their few tiny runs were not enough to shift the momentum. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, team captain Ubaldo shared the team’s joy to have performed well without major injuries.

“Despite sa loss and lahat ng errors, super happy naman kasi nagawa namin ‘yung kailangan naming gawin [al]though kinulang. Super happy pa rin ako kasi ‘yung rookies, nakapag-perform sila nang maayos and walang major injuries (Despite the loss and all the errors, we’re super happy because we were able to do what we needed to although it was not enough. I’m also super happy because the rookies, they were able to perform well and there was no major injuries),” she said.

The green-and-gold setter then expressed her pride for the rookies, especially Lopez, who stepped up in the competition.

“[Si] Lovely, wala kong masabi kasi talagang during times na kailangan, andiyan siya. Super tapang niya (For Lovely, I’m speechless because during times of need, she’s there. She’s super brave),” Ubaldo added.

Opposite hitter Bakanke led the scoring load of the Lady Tams with 16 points from 11 attacks, four blocks and an ace. While middle blocker Asis contributed 12 points from nine attacks, two blocks, and an ace.

UST’s Poyos showed dominance in the offense with 31 points, but it was Cassie Carballo who claimed the Finals Most Valuable Player award.

The Lady Tamaraws’ finish in this installment of the V-League marked their third preseason silver in two years, with the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge and this year’s Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)