Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws failed to open the season with a win after their late surge fell short against the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles, 64-67, in their opening game in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Women’s Basketball tourney at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena today, October 2.

During the first half, the Morayta-based team struggled to deliver on both ends of the court against the Lady Eagles, trailing by 14 points in the second canto, 29-41.

The green-and-gold squad had a mini-run to snatch a one-point lead during the fourth quarter but was not able to penetrate in the last few minutes of the game which led them to give away the first match victory against AdMU.

With a rookie-filled lineup, FEU Head Coach Bert Flores gave credit to the seniors who guided the young cagebelles of the team. 

“‘Yung mga beterano, nakakatuwa rin na gina-guide nila ‘yung mga rookies namin… Happy na ako doon sa ginawa ng mga players ko (The veterans, it's also nice that they guide our rookies... I'm happy with what my players did),” Coach Flores said.

Three FEU veterans scored double digits with Princess Jumuad and Danica Pacia both scoring 11 points, while Team Captain Camille Taguiam chipped in 10 markers, 12 boards, and nine dimes.

Despite the loss, Taguiam expressed that she was proud of her team's performance during the grueling season-opening matchup.

“Sobrang proud po ako sa mga teammate[s] ko, binigay nila ‘yung best nila and ‘yun nga, sabi nga ni Coach Bert na maniwala lang sa game plan… Kung ano man po ‘yung pagkukulang [namin], dadagdagan namin ‘yun (I am so proud of my teammates, they gave their best and just like what Coach Bert said, we should just trust the game plan… Whatever we are lacking, we will improve them),” Taguiam stated. 

The Lady Tams will try to secure their first win of the season as they face the University of the East Red Warriors on Wednesday, October 5 at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

-Ma. Katlene R. Angcanan

(Photo by Ralph Mari Castro/FEU Advocate)