Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw yearn for twice-to-beat incentives after outlasting the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-20, 27-29, 25-21, 25-21, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 86 women’s volleyball tourney today, April 20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig city.

During the post game interview, coach Manolo emphasized on the within reach chance for a twice-to-beat games spot.

“Mas mag-prepare pa. Number one talaga is dapat ‘yung players ay healthy, nasa kundisyon. Para mas mapaghandaan namin kung sino ang makakatapat namin na team kung mangyari. Pero ayun of course, final four, paghandaan muna namin yung next game namin which is NU [National University] (Prepare more. Number one really is that the players must be healthy, in good condition. So that we can better prepare who will be our opposite team if it happens. But of course, final four, we will first prepare for our next game, which is NU [National University]),” he remarked.

The green-and-gold squad started the first set with a dominant run by 4-0, consistently showcasing their offensive specialty. Gaining a set advantage, 1-0 

However, despite the great start for the Lady Tamaraws, the team got to a close head-to-head with the Fighting Maroons by give and take scoring by two’s the following set. 

In order to pull away, Bakanke took advantage of the UP’s defense to get the ball through the hands of the blockers, making a late game run. 

With the deuce decider, the Congo opposite hitter firmly held onto lead, until UP outplayed them concluding the second frame, 1-1.

Fortunately, Key players Faida Bakanke, Chenie Tagaod, Jean Asis was able to step up to build FEU’s momentum to clinch set points during the last two sets. 

Coach Refugia also added on having a good mentality specially elimination round is almost on its final stretch.

“Steep pa ‘din sa system talaga eh. Doon kami minsan nag-stru-struggle kapag [may] nawawala, naliligaw. Kailangan hatakin talaga eh. Hatakin lahat papunta sa systema, sa bilog namin (It's still steep in the system. That's where we sometimes struggle when [someone] is lost. They really need to be pulled. Pull everyone into the system, into our circle)”, he said. 

Bakanke erupted 19 points built on 14 attacks, while Tagaod backed her up with 13 points, two aces, and Asis with 9 markers. Clinching another match win.

The Morayta-based volleybelles now stands with a 9-4 win-loss record and will attempt to clinch their last win for this elimination round against National University (NU) on Wednesday, April 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

-Nathalia Coleen B. Favila

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)