By Leiniel A. Santos

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Chenie Tagaod shared that they need to be spotless after a win against the University of the East (UE) Lady Red Warriors Warriors, 25-19, 25-17, 22-25, 25-16, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, April 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

“Laging sinasabi sa’min na kahit gano’n, kailangan naming puliduhin ‘yung galaw namin kasi nga papasok na ng final four. Ngayon kailangan mas malinis ‘tsaka kailangan mas may tiwala talaga (We are always told that even so, we have to polish our moves because we are about to enter the final four. Now it needs to be cleaner, and there needs to be more confidence),” she said.

Chenie Tagaod led the scoring load of the team with 21 markers from 19 attacks, one block and one service ace.

Both teams rallied to seize the momentum in the start of the game, but the Lady Red Warriors managed to reach the first technical timeout as FEU struggled at the service line with two service errors.

Tin Ubaldo’s three attacks from one-two play took charge to capture their rhythm and snatch the opening set.

Despite a Faida Bakanke-less FEU in the second set, the Chenie Tagaod, Gerzel Petallo and Alyssa Devosora trio led the scoring load of the team to gain set advantage, 2-0.

During the third set, the Morayta-based squad continued to show dominance as with a five-point lead advantage, 10-5.

However, UE’s Claire Castillo two consecutive service aces put pressure onto the defense of the Lady Tamaraws to bring the lead down to one.

Lady Red Warrior Casiey Dongallo’s three attack points in the latter part of the third set successfully stole the set from the hands of Lady Tamaraws.

As Morayta-based starters returned to play in the fourth set, the Lady Tamaraws went full force to end the match with Bakanke and Tagaod scoring nine and eight points apiece.

Tagaod added that the team will try something new prior to the final four match-up.

“‘Yung mga nagawa namin parang try naman kami ng something new para at least alam naming may magagawa pa pala kami na bago (After what we have done, it’s like we need to try something new because at least we know we can do something new),” she added.

Petallo fired up 14 points, while Bakanke who only played in two sets contributed 10 markers.

The Refugia-led squad now stands with an 8-4 win-loss record and will try to stay in the winning column against the University of the Philippines on Saturday, April 20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)