After six games in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Far Eastern University finds itself in the same position as last year.
The Lady Tamaraws secured an even 3-3 record on Saturday after defeating Adamson University in straight sets, 25-13, 25-22, 25-17—matching their performance from last season after six games. However, this time around, FEU is more determined to surpass their promising display in Season 85.
Last season, under the leadership of Tina Salak, the Lady Tamaraws became a feel-good story, turning a disastrous 1-13 record in Season 84 into a 6-8 card. Despite their improvement, they fell short of making the Final Four, finishing in fifth place.
“Biggest change siguro now ay more of mataas yung determinasyon namin na ma-exceed pa namin yung nagawa namin last year so gigil na gigil kami na kailangan mahigitan namin yung nagawa namin before,” said FEU head coach Manolo Refugia.
In their recent victory, they used their past two losses as motivation to improve and showcase a stronger Lady Tamaraws squad. They suffered a heartbreaking reverse sweep defeat to the University of Santo Tomas and a four-set loss to National University.
Additionally, the Lady Tamaraws drew motivation from their history with the Adamson team, aiming to replicate their success. They had previously defeated the Lady Falcons in the battle for bronze in the 2023 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Preseason Championship last November.
“Gaya ng sinabi ni Coach masakit nung UST then nasundan nung NU. Yung mindset lang namin ay babawi talaga kami this game,” shared senior spiker Chenie Tagaod, who contributed 12 points.
“Kasi nakalaban na namin ang Adamson nung preseason sa Shakeys’ so sabi namin hindi namin sila pababawiin this UAAP. Tinrabaho namin, inaral namin yung galaw nila, inensayo naminn at inexecute namin. Ayun maganda yung kinalabasan.”
