From languishing at the bottom of the standings three seasons ago to emerging as a legitimate title contender in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Chenie Tagaod takes pride in Far Eastern University’s remarkable growth and improvement over the years.
The Lady Tamaraws endured a grueling journey — finishing with a dismal 1-13 record in Season 84 before improving to 6-8 for a fifth-place finish in Season 85.
And now, finally breaking through to the Final Four with a 9-5 slate.
Tagaod has been with FEU through all these phases, making it all the more meaningful to see the team now regarded as one of the squads to beat.
“Sobrang happy kasi nga dati ini-easy-easy lang kami. Pero ngayon hindi na kami papayag kasi may goal na kami, may ibubuga na ‘yung team,” she shared, proud of how far they’ve come.
But with the title contender tag comes added pressure and heightened expectations.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
FEU started the season on a high note with a statement win over the UST Golden Tigresses, but two consecutive losses — including a stunning upset by the UP Fighting Maroons — quickly put them on shaky ground.
The Lady Tamaraws, however, regained their footing, pulling off a hard-fought five-set victory against Ateneo de Manila University. They then secured back-to-back wins with a straight-sets triumph over the University of the East, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, on Wednesday.
Now holding a 3-2 record and sitting at solo third in the standings, Tagaod acknowledges that pressure may have played a role in their up-and-down start.
“Siguro meron talaga kasi ‘yung pressure hindi naman talaga nawawala pero sa amin, kailangan namin maging composed. And then ayun nga, tiwala talaga sa isa’t isa, tiwala sa coaches, sa sistema para makuha namin ‘yung consistency — kailangan talaga namin trabahuhin,” she said.
As one of the team’s seniors alongside Jean Asis, Tin Ubaldo, and Ann Monares, Tagaod understands the weight of their leadership, especially with their collegiate careers winding down.
While they still have the option to return for a fifth and final UAAP season, she and her fellow seniors are embracing the pressure in hopes of bringing a medal back to FEU.
“Siyempre, nandoon talaga ‘yung pressure, lalo na sa aming mga seniors kasi nga ‘yun talaga ang ini-aim namin — na gagraduate kami na at least may maiwan kami sa FEU,” Tagaod expressed.
“May pressure, pero alam namin na hindi namin iiwan ‘yung isa’t isa. Sa bawat isa kami kakapit. Kahit anong mangyari, nandito kami para sa FEU.”
#WATCH: Coach Tina Salak is pleased as the FEU Lady Tamaraws ride a two-game streak heading into a tough Round 1 finish 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/KIYHEeFRng
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 5, 2025
