By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Gerzel Petallo brought a 16-point performance to win against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women’s volleyball tourney earlier today, February 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The green-and-gold spiker garnered eight points during the first set and tallied a total of 12 attacks and four blocks for a three-set win.

In a post-game interview, Petallo shared that people should expect this kind of performance from her for the following games.

“The responsibility is there, pero ‘yun nga po (but), it’s very overwhelming sa akin (for me), as a sophomore. So siguro (I guess), [I’m] hoping for more talaga na maipapakita pa namin (of what we can show), not just me pero sa (of the) whole team,” she said.

Meanwhile, for FEU Head Coach Manolo Refugia, this game is a stepping stone for the growth of the team’s chemistry.

“Siguro, itong first game parang magiging basehan namin, parang buwelo papunta do’n sa susunod pang games. So nate-test pa ‘yung chemistry namin, kung ano ‘yung pinagtraining-an namin nang ilang buwan (I guess, this first game will be our basis, like to start our momentum towards the upcoming games. So our chemistry is being tested for what we’ve trained for for months),” Refugia said.

Alongside Petallo were key playmakers Chenie Tagaod who scored 12 points, with Jean Asis and Tin Ubaldo who chipped in seven points each.

The Morayta-based volleybelles are now at a 1-0 win-loss record and will face the defending champions De La Salle University on Wednesday, February 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)