By Angel Joyce Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws Gerzel Petallo and Chen Tagaod marked double digits amid a tough loss in a five-setter match against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-20, 19-25, 24-26, 25-17, 14-16, on their first appearance in the 2024 V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge earlier today, July 31, at the Paco Arena in Manila City.

Open hitter Petallo scored 18 points from 16 attacks, a block, and an ace while outside spiker Tagaod produced 20 markers out of 16 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.

FEU had an early lead against UP with a 5-1 run at the start of the match and clinched the first set, 25-20.

In the second and third set, the Fighting Maroons did not allow the Lady Tamaraws to have an advantage with Player of the Game Kassandra Doering’s defense on the frontline.

The Manolo Refugia-led team took advantage of the Diliman-based squad’s seven errors in the fourth set to extend the match, 25-17.

Unfortunately, the green-and-gold team’s 8-3 start was not enough to overcome the Maroons’ defensive play as they ended the match at 14-16.

Despite the loss, Petallo shared with FEU Advocate that today's game is a learning opportunity for the team moving forward in the competition.

“It’s okay. It's a great opportunity ulit since it's just a game, tapos marami kaming natutuhan sa pangyayari na ‘yon kasi parang complacent ‘yung galaw [ng team] (It's okay, it’s another great opportunity since it's just a game, and we learned a lot from what happened because the team got complacent),” she stated.

With one loss on their board, the Morayta-based volleybelles will attempt to secure their first win against the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Sunday, August 4, at the same venue.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)