Despite exiting with a 2-5 win-loss record, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws hope to apply the learnings they gathered after competing against professional teams in the first-ever Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament that lasted from January 26 to March 16.

"Ayun, ang dami naming natutuhan, since sobrang experienced 'yung mga nakalaban namin, parang hindi lahat nadadaan sa speed, may ibang ways papunta doon sa goal namin (We have learned a lot, since we went up against experienced teams, not all opponents can be overcome with speed, there are other ways we can get to our goal),” team captain MJ Manguiat shared in an interview with FEU Advocate.

The Morayta-based squad’s first game in the tourney resulted in a dominant 14-point victory vs Relentless EZ Jersey, 69-45, where guard Erica Joi Lopez finished the match with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Despite the strong start, FEU struggled to get a win over their next three games, suffering losses against the San Juan Lady Knights, 37-44, the KalosPH-Philippine Navy Lady Sailors-Go For Gold, 61-76, and the New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries, 68-70.

Fortunately, the Tamaraws were able to win a second game in dominant fashion against Imus Lady Magdalo, 91-60. Cagebelle Shane Salvani led the way as she put up 14 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.

Regardless of their recent landslide win, the green-and-gold squad succumbed to back-to-back losses in their final two games against the Galeries Tower Skyrisers and their fellow University Athletic Association of the Philippines team University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses.

Manguiat also expressed her pride in the team even after a tough ending.

"Still proud, kasi alam naman namin na maliliit nga kami, so ginawa pa rin namin 'yung best namin kahit medyo nagkukulang kami sa rebounds and box-out ganiyan. Natutuhan din naman namin sa mga kalaban 'yung pagkukulang namin (I'm still proud, because even if we know we are small, we still did our best despite lacking on rebounds and box-out. We have also learned our deficiencies on the court when playing against our opponents),” the team captain said.

In another interview, Filipino-American transferee guard Amyah Espanol emphasized that her mentality throughout the competition was the growth of the team.

“My mentality was just for us to grow as a team. Learn more every game and improve. I just wanted to give my 100 percent since it's my first time really playing for FEU,” the cagebelle shared.

_{In photo: Coach Raiza Palmera-Dy wears her black jersey uniform as she plays for the Discovery Perlas on WMPBL}

Also competing in the tournament is the Lady Tamaraws’ current head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy who plays for Discovery Perlas, they finished with a 6-1 win-loss record and will compete in the semifinals.

Fortunately, the road does not end there as four FEU products, including guard Salvani, Palmera-Dy, fellow Discovery Perlas cagebelle Allana Lim, and alumna guard Danica Pacia from the Cavite ‘Tol Patriots were named WMPBL Filipinas All-Stars and are currently competing at the Pinoyliga Global Invitationals Cup from March 22 to 30.

- Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong
(Photo courtesy of WMPBL)