Gel Cayuna, Czarina Carandang, Nette Villareal, and Buding Duremdes are all set to shoulder the mantle of leadership for Far Eastern University in its bid for a title in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
The four graduating seniors are taking on the challenge of showing the way for a relatively young core of Lady Tamaraws following the departure of Heather Guino-o, Jerrili Malabanan, and Kyle Negrito.
Now, FEU has also lost the services of Ced Domingo, Chin Basas, and Carlota Hernandez. The three have expressed their desire to forego this season but remain enrolled in FEU, according to head coach George Pascua, who also revealed that they are all on good terms.
“Sobrang naglu-look forward kami sa mga bago namin na mag step-up lahat. Tsaka sa amin ding mga seniors, dapat kami ‘yung unang mag step-up talaga,” asserted Cayuna, the freshly-minted captain of FEU.
Pascua also disclosed that incoming second-year player Elize Ronquillo is not with the team anymore.
“Si Ronquillo nag-transfer sa ibang [school]. Choice naman nila ‘yun eh. Ayaw ko naman silang ikulong sa mga bagay na gusto kong free din sila kung gusto nila mag leave,” said the veteran tactician, citing that he is not aware of where she went but has heard of NU and UST as the possible destination.
Amid all the sudden departures, there is still plenty to look forward to for the proud green and gold community.
For one, Lycha Ebon is already back on the playing field. The lefty hitter finally has clearance to participate in practices after she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury early last year. Though she’s conspicuously far from a hundred percent, her presence on the court is a welcome development for a youthful team that lacks experience.
Other promising young talents will also try to make an impact for FEU.
Shiela Kiseo, who turned heads in the 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference and UAAP Beach Volleyball tournament, is raring to prove her worth in the collegiate circuit. Her teammate on the sands in Sheena Gallentes is also expected to contribute and play heavy minutes; along with the other rookies and sophomores of the Lady Tamaraws, who are looking to end a long championship drought after winning it all back in Season 70.
“Basta kami lalaban kami hanggang dulo kahit sobrang daming nawala,” Cayuna said.
