MANILA — Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws snapped back in emphatic fashion, overpowering the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-20, 25-14, 25-14, to secure their first victory in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Determined to erase the sting of a straight-sets defeat to the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, the Lady Tamaraws showed poise after a tight opening frame before unleashing a dominant two-set surge that evened their record at 1-1.
At the center of FEU’s resurgence was Jaz Ellarina, who delivered a balanced 11-point outing highlighted by five attacks, five blocks, and an ace, underscoring her growing role as a defensive anchor at the net.
“Siguro ‘yung lagi nila sinasabi sa amin nila coach ‘yung slow start namin, and mas ma-polish namin ‘yung serve pass kasi mostly doon kami nawawalan ng rally pag nawawalan kami ng pasa and service. ‘Yon ‘yung mas pinagfo-focus-san namin,” said Ellarina.
The Lady Tamaraws tightened their floor defense and serve reception after the first set, translating to sharper offensive sequences orchestrated by setter Tin Ubaldo, who tallied 10 excellent sets.
Ellarina also embraced the responsibility of stepping up as a leader on defense.
“Ngayon, pinaliwanag nila sa akin na hindi lang palo ang gagawin ko; kailangan kong mag-commit sa net sa blockings. Hindi siya magagawa overnight, kaya process talaga siya. Months and until now, nahihirapan pa rin ako. Willing ako to accept the pressure na maging isang leader at inaasahan nila sa blockings,” she added.
FEU leaned on a balanced attack, with Congolese wing spiker Faida Bakanke firing 11 points on 10 attacks along with three excellent digs, while Gerz Petallo chipped in nine points built on six attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
UE showed resistance early, keeping the opener within reach and trimming the deficit to 8-7 in the third set. But FEU quickly shifted gears, unleashing an 8-1 blast punctuated by consecutive Bakanke hits, a Petallo strike, and a UE attack error to stretch the lead to 16-8 and effectively put the match out of reach.
Mitzi Panangin added a quick attack, while Alyssa Devosora sealed the win with an off-the-block hit as the Lady Warriors faltered down the stretch.
The loss left UE winless in two outings and extended its skid to 16 consecutive matches dating back to a winless Season 87 campaign. Khy Cepada paced the Lady Warriors with nine points on eight attacks.
With confidence regained, FEU now turns its focus to a high-stakes showdown against defending champion and unbeaten NU Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, aiming to sustain its momentum against one of the league’s top contenders./PN
