By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws’ Chenie Tagaod and Jovelyn Fernandez delivered 23 points and 22 markers respectively after winning against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-19, 18-25, 25-12, 22-25, 15-5, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 women’s volleyball tourney held at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City earlier today, March 15.

Sophomore spiker Tagaod had 18 attacks, three blocks and two service aces, while senior Fernandez chipped in 17 spikes and five blocks.

In a post-game conference, Tagaod shared her motivation to clinch a career-high performance in the match against the Recto-based squad.

“‘Yung ginawa ko po naman, binalik ko lang ulit ‘yung kung bakit ako pinagkakatiwalaan ng [mga] coaches, kung bakit nila ako pinapalaro (What I did was that I just brought back the reason why the coaches trust me, why they let me play),” she stated.

FEU had a lackluster second set as they were down by as much as 10 markers in the 10-20 rally, but managed to counter UE’s momentum in the third set after showing better floor defense, 25-12.

The Lady Tams fell short on their run to snatch the lead against Lady Warriors in the fourth set that pushed a deciding set in the match, 22-25.

Entering the final set, the green-and-gold volleybelles established an early five-point lead in the 6-1 rally to clinch their third win of the season.

FEU Head Coach Tina Salak also mentioned that the team went beyond the expectations as they currently sport a 3-3 win-loss standing in the collegiate league.

“Syempre, sobrang happy sa first round pa lang. To be honest, na-exceed [nila] ‘yung expectation[s] (Of course, I am very happy in the first round. To be honest, they exceeded the expectations),” Salak said.

The Salak-led squad will next face the defending champions Nationa University Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, March 18 at the same venue.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)