By: Jerod Orculllo
Far Eastern University faced more than just Ateneo on Sunday — they battled through illness and injury in the days leading up to the match.
Entering the game on Sunday, several players fell sick while head coach Eddieson Orcullo had surgery to repair his torn Achilles.
On the eve of the game, the Tamaraws rallied around a battle cry: “Ilalaban namin ito. One Brave Team.”
With key Tams facing adversity, FEU embraced the challenge, determined to fight through every obstacle.
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“Ayun na nga, during training namin, biglang may nagkakasakit, inisolate ng three days, pero despite of that, ‘di naman big deal na nawala sila kasi pagkatapos naman nun, gumaling sila kaagad at bumawi sa training. At ayun, nakita niyo naman — parang walang sakit nung naglaro,” he said.
“Actually, nag-undergo siya ng operation sa Achilles. Nung una, hesitant siya na ituloy kasi ongoing yung season, but kailangan kasi. Naka-encounter siya ng aksidente, naputol yung Achilles. Nung una, humingi siya ng advice, hindi kasi pwedeng hindi mag-undergo ng surgery,” assistant coach Rene Dulay added.
The Tamaraws found a way to persevere, outlasting the Blue Eagles in a hard-fought four-set battle, 25-23, 32-30, 23-25, 25-15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Despite their struggles with injuries and illnesses, Espartero — who delivered a career-high 21 points on 18 attacks — dedicated their performance against the Blue Eagles to their recovering coach.
“Yung passion talaga ni coach na mag-coach pa rin sa’min. Kahit may nararamdaman si coach o injured siya, hindi naman siya nagsasawa na magturo pa rin sa’min. Kahit hirap, turo lang siya ng turo,” he shared.
“Ayun lang yung ginawa naming kalakasan para sa kanya — yung ipanalo talaga yung game na ‘to.”
