By Aimerose C. Atienza

Despite limiting errors to only 19, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws succumbed to the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles in three straight sets, 22-25, 13-25, 23-25, to extend its losing streak to five in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 84 women’s volleyball tournament last May 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

During the third set, the Lady Tamaraws tried to mount a comeback with the offensive efforts of interim captain Shiela Kiseo to cut the lead down by one, 23-24. However, Ateneo’s Erika Ragaas blocked Kiseo’s spike to seal the victory for the blue-and-white ladies.

The Morayta volleybelles only managed to produce 19 attack points compared to AdMU’s 46 attack markers. FEU also generated six blocks and three service aces matched with 20 excellent digs and 24 excellent receptions to close out the match.

Kiseo led the team with nine points from eight attacks and one service ace. Chenie Tagaod chipped in with six points.

With the loss, the Lady Tams dropped to a 1-7 win-loss record on a lone seventh spot in the league.

“Satisfied naman kami sa mga naging performance ng mga bata pero syempre, ‘yung expectation, hindi ganoong kataas pa rin… Iisa lang ‘yung natirang beterano  (we were satisfied with the performance of the kids but of course, the expectation is still not that high… There is just one remaining veteran [in the team]),” FEU Head Coach George Pascua said.

The green-and-gold squad also missed the presence of team captain Lycha Ebon and Martha Mora. One of the team’s top scorers, Nikka Medina, also sat out due to an injury incurred during the match against the National University Lady Bulldogs in their first round matchup. 

“Kay Nikka Medina… o-operahan siya next week o sa second week ng June then ‘yung recovery niya is for one year (For Nikka Medina… she will undergo an operation next week or in the second week of June then her recovery will last for one year),” Pascua mentioned.

The Lady Tamaraws will face the third-seeded De La Salle University Lady Spikers on May 28 at the same venue.

(Photo by Juan Pablo Parian/FEU Advocate)