The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws did not improve in the standings after winning against the De La Salle University Lady Spikers.
For their mentality, however, winning against La Salle was a huge boost.
“No bearing, pero sabi nga namin, labanan ng pride.
“Kahit na no-bearing siya, importante manalo. Yun naman ang mindset ng mga players,” said Pascua after the Lady Tamaraws survived the Lady Spikers in five sets.
FEU improved their record to 9-5. They remain the fourth seed in the Final Four, and are set to face twice-to-beat top seed Ateneo.
The Lady Tamaraws also earned their first win over La Salle since the Season 78 Final Four – their motivation for the match.
Back in April 17, 2016 the FEU Lady Tamaraws defeated La Salle in Game 1 in 5 sets
“Kasi kapag nanalo kami dito, kahit papano, malaking boost ng morale dito sa mga players namin. Especially ang La Salle, how many years kami na hindi nananalo? Three years in the making. At least nanalo kami kahit na yung last game namin for them,” added Pascua, who is in his second year with the Lady Tamaraws.
“Thankful pa rin kami. Nakalagpas pa rin kami na maganda ang finish namin ng second round.”
Last season, FEU eliminated Ateneo from the Final Four. This year, however, FEU do not hold the twice-to-beat card.
Pascua believes being the underdogs will not have any effect on FEU confidence.
“Kasi laban kung laban ‘yan eh. Sa semis wala na dapat excuses eh. Basta importante, naka-focus sa game plan. ‘Yun ang orientation ng mga players.”
