By Yuichi Desquitado

With rookie middle blocker Clarisse Loresco's offense, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws started strong with a sweep victory against San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags, 25-14, 25-19, 25-20, in the elimination round of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Preseason Championship earlier today, September 27, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila City.

Player of the Game Loresco scored nine points on six attacks, two blocks, and one ace.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, she shared the excitement of showing their potential as players, just like how they were pushed by fellow senior Lady Tams and coaches.

“Siyempre masaya po sa pinakita naming game ngayon and super nakae-enjoy po kasi hinelp din po kami ng ates [seniors] and coaches na maipakita ang potensyal na meron kami (We are happy with the game and enjoyed it as we were helped by our seniors and coaches to show our potentials as players),” the Tam middle-blocker shared.

FEU started the match strong as they exhibited an 11-5 run before SSC-R called for a timeout.

However, the Lady Stags failed to set their footing after the break as Lady Tams Jean Asis and Chenie Tagaod continued to shower the defense, inflating the lead to eight, 19-11, and leading to another SSC-R timeout.

Morayta hitter Frenchie Premaylon's substitution to Faida Bakanke sealed the first set as the sub and Nikka Medina continued the scoring, ending the set at 25-19.

The second set witnessed a different yet impressive start as Premaylon and Kyle Pendon led an 8-4 run in the beginning of the match.

During the set, the red-and-gold team capitalized on the green-and-gold's errors, keeping the lead to just one all the way from 12-11 to 18-17, until the Lady Tams called for its first timeout.

After the game pause, FEU managed to escape the tight grip of SSC-R with a 7-2 run, winning yet another set, 25-19.

Similar neck-and-neck play was witnessed in the third set, even leading from a 10-10 deadlock to a 13-13 tie as the Lady Stags developed late-game defense against the Lady Tams’ aggressive play.

SSC-R stagnated nearing the end as FEU gave their all to seal the match behind Loresco's two attacks as key component and Alyzza Devosora's spike as match point. 

Hoping to address the game's deadlocks and trade-offs, Lady Tam Loresco cited lack of communication as the main obstacle, yet assures comfortability with teammates.

“Siguro po ang biggest [challenge] sa amin, ‘yung communication po sa isa’t isa. Lalo na po kasi iba sa amin rookies [at] senior po pero komportable naman po kami sa isa't isa (The biggest challenge for us was communication. Especially, some of us are rookies and seniors, but we are comfortable with each other),” she said.

Alongside Loresco, Pendon and Devosora followed in the scoring box both with seven points each. 

Currently with a 1-0 win-loss record, FEU Lady Tamaraws will attempt to increase their victory count against the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers on October 6 at the same venue.

(Photo courtesy of Shakey’s Super League Facebook page)