Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws collapsed in five sets against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 15-25, 25-23, 26-24, 23-25, 8-15, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament earlier today, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

In the early going, the Lady Tamaraws were bombarded by the Lady Bulldogs’ quick attacks, ballooning the lead to 11, 7-18. Fortunately, ex-Bulldog middle blocker Jazlyn Ellarina scored two consecutive points, trimming the lead to nine.

However, FEU just could not keep up with NU's fast-paced strategy, finishing the first set, 15-25.

The tides swiftly shifted in the second set as the Morayta squad was able to mount an early four-point lead courtesy of middle-blocker Faida Bakanke, 6-2.

This offensive outburst continued for the Lady Tamaraws, matching the Lady Bulldogs’ offense up until the end of the second set, 25-23.

Both squads continued their competitiveness in the third set, going toe-to-toe with their own respective attacks throughout until 19-19.

Fortunately, the green-and-gold squad came out on top after two consecutive errors by the blue-and-gold volleybelles, 26-24.

In the fourth set, the Morayta-based squad took advantage of the Jhocson-based squad's errors to weather Alyssa Solomon’s attacks, maintaining a tight bout until the 20-20 mark.

FEU and NU's eagerness continued with the Lady Bulldogs ultimately coming out on top after a successful challenge on a block touch, 23-25.

Despite the great performance in the early sets, the Lady Tams appeared to be gassed as the Lady Bulldogs showed their championship pedigree, quickly finishing the match in the clincher set, 8-15.

In a post-match press conference, FEU middle blocker Jean Asis shared that it was a bittersweet moment to lose against NU.

“Masakit kasi andu’n na, makukuha na dapat namin ta’s natalo pa. Pero at the same time, masaya kasi alam naman namin na binigay namin 'yung best namin. Wala kaming pinagsisisihan sa ginawa namin, lahat naman kami nag-contribute (We were about to get the win but we still loss. But, at the same time, we're still happy because we know that every single one of us contributed),” she said.

The Lady Tam also shared that they should look at every team at the same level to build consistency throughout the season.

"I-look namin 'yung every team as same level, huwag kami bumase kung ano mang team, kasi minsan, may part na nakakampante depende sa team, so siguro maging patas sa ibang team para maging consistent 'yung performance(We should look at every team at the same level, we should not judge every team, because sometimes we get comfortable because of that, hence we should look at every team the same so that our performance will remain consistent),” she shared.

Asis led the way for the Tams with her 20 markers alongside her are Bakanke and Ellarina with 12 and 11 points respectively.

FEU will look to get back on track against Ateneo de Manila University next Sunday, March 2, at the same venue.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)