Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws failed to keep up with the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers resulting in defeat, 19-25, 21-25, 18-25 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday, March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

During the start of the first set, the green-and-gold squad showed their efficiency, being able to go back-and-forth against the Lady Spikers.

However, after a 13-all deadlock, DLSU'S Angel Canino marks four straight hits to lead their side on a 6-0 run to take over the frame.

The established six-point hole proved too difficult for the Lady Tamaraws to dig out of, losing the set despite starting to match their opponents' play.

In the second set, FEU head coach Manolo Refugia opted to play Alyzza Devosora over Chenie Tagaod to switch up their offensive game plan.

Gerzel Petallo was at the helm for the Morayta-based squad, delivering eight attacks.

Petallo's efforts were unfortunately not enough as Canino continued her dominance in the court and remained unanswered with six attacks of her own to claim the frame.

The decreased morale of the Morayta-based squad was evident in the third frame, immediately committing five unforced errors entering the first technical timeout.

The Taft-based squad took advantage of their earned momentum, not looking back to seal the victory.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Petallo stated her thoughts on their loss despite her efforts to push their offense.

“I would say na it’s not a good game, really. Hindi man kami nanalo, hindi man namin napakita ‘yung pinag-eensayohan namin, we’re not [going to] stop learning and playing what is right. ‘Di pa naman tapos, marami pang games. We [disappointed] our coaches yesterday pero ipapakita namin sa kanila ulit na we’re worth fighting for (I would say na it’s not a good game, really. We may not have won, we may not have shown what we have practiced, but we’re not going to stop learning and playing what is right. It’s not yet done and there’s still a lot of games. We disappointed our coaches yesterday but we will show them again that we’re worth fighting for),” she said.            

She also mentioned how she communicated with the team to keep their motivation despite their struggles against La Salle.

“Simple lang naman, ‘Maniwala lang,’ ‘Dahan-dahan lang,’ ‘Walang bibitaw,’ kasi alam naman talaga naming kaya namin. It’s just that ‘di namin napanghawakan. Despite the shortcomings, those are just challenges and we believe ‘yun ‘yung mga bagay to make us grow as a team and individually (It was simple, ‘Just believe,’ ‘Just slow down,’ ‘Don’t let go,’ because we do know that we can compete. It’s just that we didn’t get to execute. Despite the shortcomings, those are just challenges and we believe those are the things to make us grow as a team and individually),” she added.

Petallo tallied 13 points accompanied by Faida Bakanke with 13 of her own.

Starting the second round with a loss, the green-and-gold volleybelles fall to a 4-4 standing and aim to bounce back with their match against Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) on April 4, in the same venue.

-Vince Matthew Jaramilla

(Photo by Ralph Mari Castro/FEU Advocate)