Gone were the days when Chenie Tagaod’s only goal was to make life harder for Far Eastern University’s opponents.
Now, Tagaod and the rest of the Lady Tamaraws are knocking on the Final Four doors of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament after missing the postseason festivities in the past two seasons.
“Sige, sa’kin kasi nung unang pasok ko sa FEU, yung goal lang namin, ‘di bale nang natalo basta may napikon kami. Yun kami dati,” said Tagaod following FEU’s straight-set win over Adamson University on Tuesday.
After placing eighth in Season 84 and barely making it to the Final Four in Season 85 with a fifth-place finish, the Lady Tamaraws are now on the verge of ending their slump.
They’ve solidified their hold of the fourth spot following their win over the Lady Falcons.
FEU upgraded its standing to 6-4, which puts them in prime position to snag the final slot in the Final Four – and join University of Sto. Tomas, De La Salle University, and National University.
Tagaod, who joined the team in Season 84, credited the change to coaches Tina Salak and Manolo Refugia.
“Pero nung tumagal nang tumagal, pumasok si Coach T (Tina Salak), then hinandle ni Coach Nols (Refugia), kasi nung una palang, si Coach Nols talaga yung nakasama, yung unang pasok ko sa FEU,” she said.
Salak took the coaching reins in Season 85 and immediately helped the squad secure six wins, five more than their one-win output in Season 86.
When Salak decided to leave her post, Refugia stepped up and continued what his mentor started.
“‘Di niya kami iniwan and talagang ngayon, excited na excited kami and pagta-trabahuhan talaga namin,” said Tagaod, referring to Refugia.
