Entering Ninoy Aquino Stadium having come close last season, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws’ men and women took to the tables with the goal of succeeding where they once failed. Hoping this time to enter the championships and knock the incumbent champions off their perch, the FEU Tamaraws were eager to show off their skills as a team to watch out for this season.
Tamaraws
Charging ahead, the FEU Tamaraws quickly made short work of their first two opponents. They faced a close fight against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 3-2, and an almost-sweep against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Paddlers, 3-1. Their successive victories, however, would be cut short by the same team that denied them their finals appearance just a year ago. The De La Salle University Green Paddlers stopped their run by delivering a stunning 1-3 defeat to the Tams. Despite the defeat, the Tamaraws continued as if nothing happened to defeat the National University Bulldogs, ending the first day with a victory.
Already sitting ahead of the majority, the Tamaraws were clearly not complacent, as they successfully routed their first challengers for the second day, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, in a 3-2 victory. They continued their streak with wins over the University of the East Red Warriors, as well as current top seed, UST, forcing them to tie with DLSU.
Lady Tamaraws
The FEU Lady Tamaraws were riding the same hype as their male counterparts. Despite being beaten by the incumbent champions, the DLSU Lady Paddlers, they shook off the loss and continued with absolute focus. Making quick work of AdU, UP, and UE in the first day, the Lady Tamaraws made it clear that they too can dominate the competition.
Second only to DLSU, FEU again delivered a reminder of their strength to anyone who might have forgotten during the suspension of games. They made short work of NU, ADMU, and UST, delivering a 3-1, 3-0, and 3-0 beat down to each of them respectively.
With the impressive show of force displayed by both FEU teams, the two are now entering the second round within arm’s reach of snagging the lead.
