By Aine Peralta

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws fell to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers despite forcing a gritty five-setter match, 17-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 10-15, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament earlier today, April 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Tamaraws opened the first set with early sparks behind Tin Ubaldo’s service ace and attacks from Alyzza Devosora, briefly gaining a head start at 11-9. 

However, momentum slipped midway as the green-and-gold squad faltered in reception and committed attack errors, allowing the Lady Spikers to pull away, 17-25.

The Morayta-based squad attempted to respond in the second frame, staying within striking distance after Clarisse Loresco’s block to tie the set at 19-all. 

Still, FEU struggled in the closing stretch, committing late miscues that allowed La Salle to pull away and secure the set, 22-25.

The green-and-gold volleybelles came alive in the third set, racing to a commanding 12-6 lead behind Lovely Lopez’s offense and a block from Jaz Ellarina. 

Despite a late rally that forced a 23-all deadlock, FEU held its ground as Ellarina delivered clutch service runs to seal the set, 25-23.

The Salak-led team carried its momentum into the fourth frame, turning an early 0-3 deficit into a dominant run behind Gerz Petallo and Lopez, building a 14-9 advantage.

Even with La Salle’s late attempts to catch up, the Morayta-based team sustained their lead, highlighted by Ellarina’s service aces and a closing block to force a decider with a 25-19 set win.

The Lady Tamaraws struggled to find rhythm in the final set, falling behind early as the Taft-based squad built separation at 3-7. 

A late offensive push sparked by Petallo’s service ace narrowly closed the gap, 9-11, but the Lady Spikers maintained control to seal the match, 10-15.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, green-and-gold head coach Tina Salak mentioned how Petallo's presence was initially intended only for support, but her performance exceeded expectations despite her not being fully recovered.

“Amazingly, actually, hindi namin in-expect na ganun kalaki ‘yung magiging comeback niya (we didn’t expect that big of a comeback from her). More on support lang talaga dapat siya. Pero tinanong namin siya kung kaya, and kaya naman daw niya (She was really just supposed to be for support, but we asked her if she could play, and she said she could),” Salak said.

As team captain, Petallo added that she will continue supporting the squad from the sidelines and will shift her focus to recovery and preparation for their next match.

“Paghahandaan po namin ‘yung next game, una ‘yung rehab ko kasi kailangan ko pong mag-recover ulit dahil nagamit ko siya nang todo. Nandun pa rin po ako as captain, nagsu-support sa kanila sa labas, kasi more on hard work, teamwork, mindset, at mental toughness po talaga ang kailangan namin sa mahabang season na ito — talagang pataasan ng recovery ng katawan (We will prepare for our next game, starting with my rehab as I need to recover again after being fully utilized. I will still be there as captain, supporting the team from the sidelines, because it’s really about hard work, teamwork, mindset, and mental toughness in this long season — it’s all about how quickly we can recover),” she shared.

Lopez led the team with 16 points and 24 excellent receptions, followed by Petallo, who finished with 14 markers and nine digs. Meanwhile, Bakanke chipped in 10 points. 

Standing at a 6-5 win-loss record, the Morayta-based volleybelles look to bounce back as they face the University of the Philippines on Sunday, April 12, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)