Far Eastern University’s bid to dominate both divisions in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge is alive and kicking, thanks to standout performances from two Tamaraws: Jaz Ellarina and Jelord Talisayan.
On Wednesday, Ellarina led the Lady Tamaraws in avenging their earlier loss against University of the East in the group phase, while Talisayan made a strong case for the Tamaraws in the men’s division by overcoming the reigning UAAP champions National University Bulldogs.
Ellarina, who was pivotal in FEU’s 25-21, 25-15, 25-20 victory in Game 1 of the Women’s semifinals, showcased her relentlessness to bring her team one step closer to the finals.
The Lady Tamaraws, motivated by their five-set defeat to UE in the group stage, were out for redemption. Ellarina, transitioning from opposite hitter to middle blocker, was central to their revenge game.
“Ngayon po minindset ko talaga simula pa lang nung last game pa lang, sabi ko babawi talaga kami,” shared Ellarina, who finished with 13 points, 10 of which came from attacks.
The former National University standout knew her team’s previous mistakes could not be repeated, and she worked hard to make adjustments, especially knowing UE’s reputation on defense.
“Kasi ‘yung UE sobrang defensive team din po nila, so hindi pwedeng kung anong nilaro ko last game, ýun din yung ilalaro ko ngayon,” she explained.
The result? A dominant performance above the net, effectively neutralizing UE’s attack-heavy strategy.
With their Game 1 win in the bag, Ellarina remains laser-focused on bringing more intensity to Game 2.
“Kung ngayon dinoble ko ‘yung effort, siguro po next game triple na po,” she said, determined to lead her team to the finals and possibly set up a thrilling matchup against powerhouse teams like UST.
(C) V-League Images
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, team captain Jelord Talisayan provided leadership when it mattered most for the Tamaraws.
FEU was poised to sweep National University after establishing a commanding 23-19 lead in the third set, but a sudden surge from the Bulldogs threatened their hopes.
The tension heightened when Talisayan’s two consecutive errors allowed NU to snatch the third set, forcing a fourth.
“Siguro ano lang, after nung error na ‘yun parang nag-compose kami ulit kasi naka-mindset kaming lahat na ready kami sa worst na mangyayari,” said Talisayan.
The pride of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental did not let those mistakes haunt him for long, as he bounced back in the fourth set.
His focus, along with 21 points and 13 excellent receptions, helped FEU secure a 25-23, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16 win to take Game 1 of the series.
Talisayan knew he had to rally his teammates after the third set slip.
“Bumawi at bumawi lang kami,” he said.
His game-clinching spike in the fourth set proved to be the exclamation point on his strong comeback performance.
With Ellarina and Talisayan spearheading their respective teams, both teams have their eyes set on the ultimate prize—a spot in the finals.
While Ellarina focuses on maintaining consistency in her blockings, knowing tougher opponents like UST await, Talisayan is making sure his team sharpens their skills and limits their unforced errors ahead of Game 2.
“Yung mga lapses namin, especially ‘yung unforced errors, ‘yun ang itatrabaho namin,” Talisayan said.
Talisayan, especially, is mindful of the fleeting time he has with his current squad.
“Sinasabi ko nga sa mga kasama ko na i-seize natin lahat ng pagkakataon na magkakasama tayo,” he shared.
