Two months since Bernadeth Pons played her final match for Far Eastern University, a new player donned number two in green and gold.
Standing at 5-foot-7 with the wingspan of a baby pterodactyl, Lycha Ebon looked incredibly different to Pons.
But, FEU hopes she can be their new bankable star.
The lefty hitter was jittery, but scored 11 crucial points in FEU’s first win in the PVL Collegiate Conference.
For a first match, head coach George Pascua was happy with what he saw from his prized recruit from Davao.
“Sa practice hindi ganoon ka-intense yung ginagalaw nila pero sa game nakakapag-perform. Nagbigay ng (production) ang mga bago,” said Pascua.
“Eh alam mo naman kapag first year hindi ganyan ang nilalaro medyo kabado pa pero ngayon tingnan mo. Siguro sa stats isa siya sa mga nag-step up.”
The University of Mindanao product was being recruited by several top UAAP schools, including UST and La Salle. She ultimately chose the Morayta-based program because of their persistent recruiting pitch.
“Sila ‘yung pumunta sa akin sa Davao. ‘Yung eagerness nila na gusto talaga nila ako kaya napili ko sila,” she said.
While she already feels the hype, Ebon knows she still has a long way to go. Speaking with the media, Ebon had the same reluctance as other rookies.
Even when it came to choosing her number, Ebon said she had no choice but pick number 2 because it was the only number available.
It was like FEU already dubbed the 18-year old as their next potential Queen Tamaraw.
“Malaking adjustment yung ano ko kanina… Medyo mahirap kanina kasi first time ko sa Manila,” Ebon shared.
“Taga Davao kasi ako kaya kailangan pa nang kaunting push. ‘Yung mga kalaban po ang lalakas kasi talaga ng Manila kumpara sa Davao.”
