The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws gave their new head coach George Pascua a proper debut, scoring a quick win over NCAA Season 93 finalists San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags, 25-17, 25-21, 25-14, in the Women’s Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Perennial Final Four contenders in the UAAP, FEU dominated San Sebastian, who lost three-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones and Kath Villegas, in all categories.
Far from the form that had them sweep the last NCAA elimination rounds, San Sebastian never tasted the lead throughout the contest. Poor reception coupled with inconsistent attacking allowed the Lady Tamaraws to easily take the win.
FEU tallied a 40-24 spiking advantage, while serving 10 aces to the Lady Stags’ five.
“Masaya naman kami sa nilaro ng nga bata. Siyempre, may kaunting mga problema pa pero kaya namang ayusin. Siguro, mas mapadalas lang ensayo namin, makukuha pa namin lalo ‘yung kailangan namin gawin,” said Pascua, who replaced Shaq Delos Santos two months ago.
Pascua used to coach the FEU Men’s Volleyball team before departing after UAAP Season 76.
Graduating skipper Bernadeth Pons led FEU with 13 points off 10 attacks, two aces, and a block, while opposite hitter Toni Basas added 11.
Nikka Dalisay provider 10 points for the Lady Stags. Daurene Santos and Joyce Sta. Rita managed six points apiece.
The Lady Tams (1-0) take on the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles (1-0) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Pons 13, Basas 11, Domingo 9, Villareal 8, Malabanan 7, Cayuna 2, Agudo 1, Carandag 1, Hernandez 0, Atienza (L), Duremdes (L)
SSC-R (0) – Dalisay 10, Santos 6, Sta. Rita 6, Perez 3, Tianco 3, Encarnacion 2, Guillema 1, Amponin 0, Dela Torre 0, Delos Reyes 0, Orsini 0, Eroa (L)
