Finalists last year, Far Eastern University have struggled to find their groove in Season 81. Although they have still collected enough wins to stay in Final Four contention, the Lady Tamaraws have been sorely inconsistent.
But on Saturday evening, FEU may have finally hit their stride. Facing a University of the Philippines team with whom they were tied in the standings, the Lady Tamaraws essayed their most convincing win of the season.
Most notably, all of FEU’s seniors had stellar outings for the first time this season. Heather Guino-O established a new career-high with 22 points, while Jerrili Malabanan tallied 17 markers. Kyle Negrito managed five points and 35 excellent sets to round out the graduating players’ breakout game.
“I’m really proud of my team because we really fought the whole game. And I think that this was the most consistent win we’ve had this season,” said Malabanan.
“Kitang-kita po ‘yung teamwork, kung ano talaga ‘yung hinahanap sa amin ni coach, tsaka ‘yung mga ibang tao na naniniwala sa amin na tulungan talaga na mangyayari, na lahat magstep-up,” added Guino-O.
The Lady Tamaraws have a slight edge in the standings, improving to 7-4, tied with UST in third place. The veteran Lady Tamaraws are determined to keep their newly-established momentum going.
“I think it was a good thing that we had [a] game immediately after our last game. We were able to move on from it faster and focus on this,” said Fil-Am skipper Malabanan.
“We’re hoping to bring the energy that we had in this game and the consistency in our next few games.”
“Morale booster para sa mga susunod naming games kasi iyon nga, kailangan namin umipon ng mga panalo para mapasok sa Final Four. So sobrang morale boosting itong win para sa akin,” closed the setter Negrito.
