Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Jovelyn Fernandez scored 18 points in the final game of her collegiate playing career after the four-set loss to the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 22-25, 28-26, 15-25, 17-25, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 women's volleyball tourney earlier today, April 30, at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Head Coach Tina Salak expressed her admiration for Fernandez's dedication to pushing the limits of her game in her final collegiate playing year. 

"Surprisingly kasi, si Jov before kami magstart ng season nasa injury list siya eh… Sobrang surprised ako sa last season niya. Pati ako na-inspire kasi hindi rin siya huminto kahit na last playing year niya gusto niya talaga matapos na maganda ‘yung season niya (Surprisingly, Jov was on the injury list before we started the season... I was very surprised by her last season. I was also inspired because she didn't stop even though it was her last playing year, she really wanted to finish her season well)." she stated.

Coach Salak added that she has begun preparing Fernandez for her professional career, should she pursue it.

"Turning pro sinasabi ko sa kanya mahirap. There's a lot of pressure, ‘yung engagement niya sa time kailangan niya mamanage so pineprepare ko rin siya sa gusto niya mangyari (Turning pro I tell her it's hard. There's a lot of pressure, her engagement with her time needs to be managed so I also prepare her for what she wants to happen)," she added

The Morayta-based volleybelles trailed early but did not suffer a blowout loss in the first set after Jean Asis marked six points on two service aces and four markers from Gerz Petallo in the set.

FEU’s backzone defense struggled to contain Lady Falcon Trisha Tubu's attacks, losing the set, 22-25.

Fernandez and Petallo caught fire in the second set, scoring seven and six points, respectively.

The Lady Tams then readjusted after a 20-20 lock as Alyzza Devosora made two straight points, 28-26.

Fernandez logged in a total of 18 points from 13 attacks, two blocks and three service aces, while Devosora and Petallo both chipped in 11 markers as FEU concluded their Season 85 run with a 6-8 win-loss record.

-Andrei Barrantes

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)