The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws were one win short of making the Finals for the first time since Season 71 but fell short in their win-or-go-home match against the De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Wednesday.
FEU head coach Shaq Delos Santos, however, was still incredibly proud of his wards after the loss. FEU came into the Final Four seeded third. No one expected the Lady Tams to pull one over the twice-to-beat Lady Spikers as FEU last defeated La Salle in Season 71. But the Lady Tams took Game One through frantic five-set comeback. The Lady Tams had their moments last Wednesday but could not quell a more determined and experienced La Salle side.
“Proud kami sa mga players kasi naipakita talaga namin lahat ng makakaya namin. Talagang hindi pa para sa amin. Sabi na lang namin sa mga bata na hindi pa tapos itong pagsasama natin. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo ulet,” Delos Santos thought. “Kailangan patunayan namin na may ilalakas pa yung team.”
Delos Santos pulled amazing performances from sophomore Toni Basas and injured winger Bernadette Pons. Basas went from an afterthought last season to one of the league’s fastest rising stars. Pons battled through her scholeosis and knee injuries to provide FEU a much-needed push down the final stretch of the season.
“Sabi ko sa kanila hindi mo kailangan umiyak ng ganyan,” Delos Santos recalled telling the pair who were emotional after the loss. “Binigay niyo yung best niyo. Hindi talaga para sa atin yung larong ‘to kaya tanggapin natin.”
Next season without any rookies coming in, the pair will be FEU’s main guns anew. With another year of training and off-season tournaments under their belt, Shaq expects great things from the pair.
“Kailangan nila ma-handle yung pressure. Kasi first time nga nila lumaban ng semifinals. Pagdating sa ganitong competition, may mga bagay pa silang hindi ma-handle. Pero pagdating next year, ine-expect namin na mas maha-handle na nila yung pressure,” De Jesus said.
Gyzelle Sy was the only Lady Tamaraw who graduated. With most of the UAAP’s superstars also graduating after this season, FEU will be sure favorites next season.
