By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws finished the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles in five sets, 25-12, 15-25, 19-25, 25-15, 18-16, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City earlier today, March 8.

The Lady Tamaraws had their last win against the Blue Eagles four years ago back in Season 81 of the collegiate league in 2019.

During the first set, FEU had the upper hand after leading by as much as 13 points to dominate AdMU, 25-12.

The green-and-gold momentum was stopped by AdMU during the second and third sets, but FEU managed to clinch an equalizer in the dominant fourth set, 25-15.

Both teams had a back-and-forth affair in the fifth set, but Lady Tam Gerzel Petallo hammered a single block to seal victory for FEU, 

In a post-game interview, Head Coach Tina Salak recalled how she motivated the girls after being down in two sets to one.

“May sinabi kasi ako doon sa huddle na hindi pa natatapos na nanalo kami nung first set, so hindi kami pwedeng mag-settle. So kung gusto namin talagang makuha ‘yung win, kailangan namin ng total team effort (I said something during the huddle that it doesn’t end after we win the first set, so we cannot settle. So if we really want to get the win, we need a total team effort),” she stated.

Salak then shared the motivation they used coming into this game after two consecutive losses.

“Ang sabi ko [sa team] hindi natin pwedeng ma-feel na lagi tayong talo, so marami kaming drama [the] past few days. Pero eventually ngayon napalitan tayo ng [saya], ‘di ba (I said [to the team] that we shouldn’t always feel like we are always losing, so we had much drama [the] past few days. But eventually now we were changed with [happiness], right),” she reiterated.

Spiker Jovelyn Fernandez wired the volleybelles in bringing the game to an extended fifth set with her 18-point output from 15 attacks, two service aces, and one block.

Two other Lady Tamaraws produced double-digit markers with rookies Alyzza Devosora and Mitzi Panangin contributing 13 and 11-pointers, respectively.

Green-and-gold defense specialist Marga Encarnacion had a commendable performance with 35 excellent digs and 12 receptions.

During a post-game interview, Encarnacion shared that the team helped her bring out her best in the game.

“[Kung] hindi po dahil sa team [ko], hindi ko po malalabas po kung ano ako. Kumbaga, [kung] hindi po dahil kila coach and sa teammates ko, heto ako ngayon, nagpapasalamat sa kanila ([If] it weren’t for my team, I wouldn’t be able to show who I am. So to speak, [If] it weren’t for the coach and my teammates, I’m here, I’m very thankful to them),” she said.

The Morayta-based volleybelles are now at a 2-2 win-loss record and will face the De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Saturday, March 11 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)