Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws emerged victorious in a tight set exchange against the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-11, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament earlier today, March 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The green-and-gold volleybelles were off to a piping start as they activated their offensive strut until the first technical timeout, 8-4. 

Forcing both timeouts from Ateneo, the Lady Tams capitalized on the Blue Eagles’ errors, securing the first frame with a 10-point cap, 25-15. 

Into the second frame, the Katipunan-based squad was quick to mirror the Morayta-based squad’s offensive tactics, 10-14, shifting to a more defensive approach.

Despite their defensive efforts, the Tina Salak-led volleybelles were unable to keep up with Ateneo’s 16 attacks, failing to close in on a consistent four-point gap, 20-24. The blue-and-white team claimed the second set after a failed challenge from FEU, 20-25.

With an attempt to take control of the third frame, the green-and-gold team established a six-point lead, 12-6.

It became a back-and-forth tango of attacks and blocks for both teams until FEU put Ateneo on hold at 22-17, eventually closing it in at 25-17.

Eager to wrap up the match, Lady Tam Gerzel Petallo spearheaded the fourth frame with a series of strikes, putting them at a standstill with the Blue Eagles, 24-24.

In the post-game conference, Petallo emphasized the importance of remaining level-headed and composed, which they learned in their past losses.

"Pagkapit po 'tsaka po respeto sa kalaban kasi medyo nawawala kami dun kapag mananalo na ng isang set, magre-relax na sa next set. 'Yun po 'yung natutuhan namin ngayon—kailangan po talagang 100 percent palagi kasi hindi lang isang set mananalo (Holding it steady and respect to the opponent was what we lacked in whenever we won a set, we immediately relax in the next. That’s what we learned today—we need to give it our 100 percent because we don’t only win one),” she shared.

However, Ateneo was successful in their block touch challenge against the Morayta volleybelles, eventually costing the latter the set, 24-26.

Even with early spikes, it was not long before Lady Tam reinforcement Faida Bakanke committed a crucial service and attack error that forced them to call a break, 6-6.

It was yet again another back-and-forth between both schools, not until FEU stood firm in breaking the rally, 12-9.

To end the match, Bakanke swiftly reversed her early errors with a striking attack, 15-11.

Despite the victory, Coach Salak emphasized how the team should be flexible given their recent vulnerability to injuries.

“Actually, marami kaming adjustments… Ang dami rin kasi naming injuries, so kailangan din talaga namin paikutin ‘yung team… Dapat ready din sila in case na ganito mangyari. But, very convincing ‘yung win despite ‘yung mga nasa injury list (We have done many adjustments… We have a lot of injuries, so we really need to circulate the team… They need to be ready in case this happens. But, the win was still convincing despite it),” she mentioned.

Petallo and Bakanke led the Lady Tams to victory with 18 and 15 points, respectively. Team captain Tin Ubaldo also put up 17 excellent sets and 8 markers as Player of the Game.

The Salak-led squad will seek to improve their record against University of the East on Wednesday, March 5, at the same venue.

- Joshua Kyle Beltran
(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)