Ever since she arrived at Far Eastern University, Mitzi Panangin has played as a middle blocker. But this UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, head coach Tina Salak challenged her to take on a new role—occasionally stepping in as an opposite spiker.
The 5-foot-8 Cebuana started as an opposite hitter in the Lady Tamaraws’ match against the NU Lady Bulldogs. However, on Sunday, midway through their game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Panangin was called back to her original position.
Despite switching roles from game to game—even within a single match—Panangin’s mindset remained the same: to contribute in any way she could for FEU.
Against Ateneo, the third-year standout proved crucial in the Lady Tamaraws’ 25-15, 20-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-11 victory, which snapped their two-game skid early in the season.
Coming in as a substitute in the second set before starting the next three, Panangin finished with 11 points, tallying five attacks and a game-high six blocks. She anchored FEU’s dominant net defense, leading the team’s 20 blocks—an area where they overwhelmed Ateneo, 20-2.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nung papunta pa po kami dito sa MOA hanggang nasa dugout po, ang iniisip ko lang po is pag pinasok ako, gusto ko lang mag-contribute at magiging proud yung mga coaches na tama po yung pinili nila na ipasok ako,” said Panangin, who played for the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in high school.
“Yung sinabi ko po kanina, lagi po ako ready pag tinatawag ako. Nagreready po talaga ako tapos nagma-mindset din po—mapa-opposite man o sa middle.”
With the five-set win, FEU climbed into a four-way tie for third place with De La Salle University, Adamson University, and the University of the Philippines, all holding identical 2-2 records.
Salak, who returned to her head coaching role this season after serving as a consultant last year, had nothing but praise for Panangin—not only for accepting the challenge of playing multiple roles but for excelling in both.
“Yung kay Mitzi, gusto ko din i-appreciate kasi welcome siya dun sa kung ano yung kulang ng team. Maraming hindi makakaintindi, pero nasa player na kasi yun kung paano i-accept yung ganong role, yung ganong challenge,” said Salak postgame.
“Yun nga, sa dalawang positions na nilalagay namin siya, lagi siyang nandoon. So I’m very thankful na may ganon kaming players sa team—na open sa adjustments.”
#WATCH: Coach Tina Salak hopes FEU’s early struggles will make them stronger heading into Round 2 🏐
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— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 2, 2025
