Almost falling prey to the first game sickness, the FEU Lady Tamaraws shook-off the upset-hungry University of Batangas Lady Brahmans in three short set, 25-20, 25-18, 25-10 in their opening match of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying-V Arena.
The Lady Brahmans startled the crowd as they led the heavily favored FEU in the first set, 13-10. However, the Lady Tams quickly regrouped and doused all hopes for a shocking result. The Lady Tams hijacked the lead from there and continued to lead throughout the match.
Incoming FEU sophomore, Toni Rose Basas top-scored the match with 12 points while fourth year middle blocker, Mary Remy Palma followed with nine markers. FEU’s guest players, Honey Royse Tubino and Jovelyn Gonzaga combined for 12 points in the romp.
FEU, who was missing the services of middle blocker Geneveve Casugod due to an ankle sprain, totally outclassed UB in all offensive categories, netting more spikes (35-19), block kills (7-1), and aces (13-3).
Acknowledging that his guest players will be a huge help in their campaign, FEU Coach, Shaq Delos Santos said that he was more impressed with those in his regular lineup and that he will look to continually to improve his collegiate palyers for the upcoming UAAP.
“Honestly, hindi pa nakakapag-training si Jovelyn sa amin, tapos si Royse kahapon lang namin nakasama,” said Delos Santos. “Pero nakita kong maganda ‘yung laro ng mga bata na gagamitin ko sa UAAP kaya mas masaya ako. Ang gusto naman namin talaga is gamitin ‘yung tournament nito para magka-experience ‘yung mga bata naming player.”
The Lady Tams next match comes against the Arellano Lady Chiefs on July 18 while the the Lady Brahmans will look to redeem themselves when they face the NU Lady Bulldogs on July 19.
The Scores:
FEU (3) – Basas 12, Palma 9, Guino-O 8, Tubino 8, Pons 6, Malabanan 4, Gonzaga 4, Cayuna 2, Hernandez 2, Duremdez (L), Atienza (L)
UB (0) – Montecer 8, Garcia 6, Madalogdog 4, Castor 2, Montenegro 2, Estrella 1, Maquinto (L), Tabion (L)
