A learning experience.
That’s how Far Eastern University head coach George Pascua saw the team’s disappointing campaign in the UAAP Season 84 women’s tournament.
“This season, siyempre ‘yung expectation namin sa mga players namin dahil puro mga rookies… Siyempre ‘di ganon ka-taas yung expectations namin. Pero we learned from this season very much,” said Pascua after FEU closed out its run with a four-set loss at the hands of University of the East last Thursday.
The Lady Tamaraws, along with the Lady Red Warriors, wrapped up the season with identical 1-13 standings – tied for league-worst. UE, however, managed to collect four points in total. FEU only had three, which is why the latter ended the tournament in last place.
This will be the first time that the Morayta-based squad will miss the Final Four since 2014.
FEU ran into a series of unfortunate events throughout Season 84. The team lost middle blocker Nikka Medina in the first round due to an ACL tear. Then they started the second round without two of its veterans in Lycha Ebon and Martha Mora, who have both graduated and decided to pursue other endeavors.
Still, despite all that, Pascua believes that this painful season will only motivate his wards to do better. He also hopes that this experience can push the team to greater heights next season.
“Especially mga experiences namin, mga nagawa namin o mga nangyari, so it’s a learning experience, lalo na sa mga bago. So hopefully by next season, lahat nung mga experiences na ‘yun ay magiging motivation namin for stronger team,” bared the FEU lifer.
Aside from Ebon and Mora, both Shiela Kiseo and Gilliane Gallo have already exhausted their eligibility. But Pascua is hopeful that his new reinforcements can fill in the gap for Season 85.
“Siyempre, ayun may mga reinforcement kami na rookies na papasok this season. May mga reserves kami, so hopeful maka-buo ulit kami. At the same time ,kahit papano e mapaghandaan namin ng matagal-tagal,” said the fifth-year Lady Tamaraws head coach.
“Kasi this season talagang very tight e, ‘yung adjustment. Napaka-igsi ng adjustment. So eto huli kahit papaano ‘yung preparation is matagal-tagal, so may mga adjustment pa.”
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