The Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws failed to capitalize on the errors of the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs as they were bulldozed to another three-set sweep, 10-25, 11-25, 12-25, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 84 women’s volleyball tournament last May 17 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

FEU did not manage to make this a tight contest as they were dominated by the women in blue-and-gold. The Lady Tams were held to just 33 total points, a season-low for FEU so far.

“Medyo masama ang gising…parang nagulat sila sa [kalaban],  overwhelm sila. Sa gusto nila sigurong lumaban eh masyadong nag-ingat (They somewhat didn’t wake up in the right side of the bed… they seem to be surprised by the [opponent], they were overwhelmed. They are very eager to fight yet they managed to be too careful [in their action]),” FEU Head Coach George Pascua said.

The Lady Tamaraws only scored 12 spike points in comparison to NU’s 47, the Lady Bulldogs were also ahead in points through service aces and block points.

FEU’s skipper Lycha Ebon, who was not a starter, had an abysmal performance with zero output in the game.

“‘Di ba galing siya sa injury tapos kita niyo naman siguro hindi lang gaano nagpeperform. Kahit papaano binibigyan nating ng chance ang lahat [especially ‘yung] mga first year[s]… Mabigyan lang ng equal opportunity ang lahat (She was injured before and then you look at her performance, she hasn’t performed well… We gave everyone a chance [especially the] first year [players]… [We] just give everyone an equal opportunity),” Pascua shared.

Main gunners of the Lady Tamaraws, Chenie Tagaod and Jean Asis, also had a lackluster performance scoring five points apiece. Sheila Kiseo chipped in with three points as well.

Meanwhile, FEU suffered a blow when Nika Medina dropped to the floor after landing a spike in the first set and did not return to the match. She will undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to assess her situation as she told coach George that something popped off on her right knee.

The Lady Tamaraws now sit at a 1-5 win-loss record, and they will seek to close the first round on a high note against the De La Salle University Lady Spikers on May 19, Thursday, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Galing sa talo, pero pipilitin pa rin naming mag bounce back stronger kasi kailangan naming… Positive pa rin kami na gagawin ang lahat para maachieve ang goal (Coming from a loss, but we will still try to bounce back stronger because we need [it]… we are still positive that we will do everything to achieve the goal),” Coach George ended.

- Adrian Earl Taruc

(Photo by Andrea Joy Gonzales/FEU Advocate)