By Leiniel A. Santos

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Tin Ubaldo led to set up the pace in claiming victory over the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 25-22, 22-25, 25-13, 25-21, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament held earlier today, March 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Ubaldo powered through four attacks, two blocks, and 15 excellent sets.

In a post-game interview, Ubaldo shared that they are still in the process of improving their gameplay.

“Masaya na number four kami pero kasi round one pa lang. Hindi po kami nagmamadali, iniisip pa po namin kung pa’no pa namin male-level up ‘yung laro namin sa second round (We're happy that we're number four, but it's still the first round. We are not in a hurry, we are still thinking about how we can level up our game in the second round),” she said.

FEU started the match with instant points from Ann Asis’ dump and Faida Bakanke’s kill block but missed the chance to set the pace of the game with two consecutive errors.

The green-and-gold struggled to gain advantage as Ateneo’s Sobe Buena was instantly activated with five attacks in the first frame to light up the scoreboard.

Fortunately, Ubaldo’s block and Gerzel Petallo’s service ace turned things around as they got the lead and secured the first set win.

While in the second set, the Katipunan-based squad stormed back with Lyann De Guzman’s five attacks and one block to tie the match for both teams.

The Morayta-based squad entered the third set in domination as Ubaldo managed to activate all of her hitters, and they ended the set with a 12-point advantage, 25-13.

Momentum was clear on the side of FEU to seize control of the game during the fourth frame. 

Jean Asis and Chenie Tagaod continued to raise the intensity of the Lady Tamaraws as they notch their fourth win this season, landing them at a solo fourth seed placement.

The Lady Tams playmaker Ublado also added that the team will not be complacent just because they are in the top four.

“‘We’re confident pero not too confident kasi maglalaban laban pa ulit kami, bilog pa [rin] ‘yung bola. Hindi pa din sure na kami ‘yung nasa number four (We're confident but not too confident because we will fight again, the ball is still round. We are still not sure that we are number four),” she added.

Tagaod led the scoring load with a triple-double performance from 18 points, 13 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.

The Manolo Refugia-led squad ended the first round of the eliminations strong with a 4-3 win-loss record to maintain a top four placement.

(Photo by Kayla Babista/FEU Advocate)