By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

As Jazlyn Ellarina and Karyll Miranda recorded their career-highs in the green-and-gold threads, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws took care of business against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament earlier today, March 26, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Player of the Game (POG) Ellarina led FEU with 17 markers on 12 attacks, two blocks, and three aces, while rookie setter Miranda steered the offense with 17 excellents sets off the bench.

In the post-match press conference, Ellarina mentioned that her successful play comes as a fruit of following their system.

“Ako po kasi, since day one, tiwala talaga sa sistema kasi laging sinasabi ni Coach [Tina Salak], ‘pag gumawa ka ng sarili mong diskarte na wala sa sistema, mawawala ka, eh. So ibalik lang ‘yung sarili sa pinag-ensayuhan (For me, since day one, I just trust the system because Coach always says that if you decide without following the system, you will be lost. So just return to what we practice)… and everything will follow,” the POG said.

Meanwhile, Miranda highlighted how the pressure powers her to perform.

“Play with pressure po talaga, kasi ‘yung pressure, nandiyan lang talaga siya, eh. Ikaw na ‘yung gagawa ng paraan kung pa’no mo siya mao-overcome (I really just play with pressure because the pressure is always there. It’s up to you on how you will overcome it),” she shared.

The Morayta volleybelles were on fire from the get-go, launching a 9-1 surge to start the first set.

UE’s net coverage and sudden offensive burst gave FEU trouble, but the latter’s varying attacks were effective enough to keep their point advantage intact, 25-20.

A different story played in the second set, as the Lady Tamaraws consistently trailed behind the Lady Warriors.

After climbing to tie at 12-12, the green-and-gold squad’s firepower took control of the frame, doubling UE’s nine attack points to go up two sets with the same score, 25-20.

The third set saw its own switch-up of events, with both teams going back-and-forth in its majority.

As the Morayta spikers stood toe-to-toe with their Recto neighbors at 23-23, outside hitters Gerzel Petallo and Chenie Tagaod took it upon themselves to finish the match, blasting back-to-back kills, 25-23. Both attacks also marked their 15th respective points.

With multiple Lady Tamaraws stepping up, especially FEU’s setter Miranda, Coach Salak emphasized how she motivates her players to maximize their chances on the court.

“Every game, sinasabihan ko sila na may opportunity sila maglaro… kasi respect ‘yun sa kalaban namin. But it’s up to them kung magde-deliver sila or hindi… Sinabi ko, every time na may opportunity, ‘wag nila imi-miss (Every game, I tell them that they have the opportunity to play… because that shows respect to our opponents. But it’s up to them whether they will deliver or not. I tell them, every time there’s an opportunity, don’t miss it),” she stated.

Now on a two-game winning streak and a 6-3 record, the Salak-led squad is set to face its toughest opponent yet in round two, the 8-1 National University, on Sunday, March 30, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)