Compared to their PVL Collegiate Conference semis foes, the University of Santo Tomas, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws have a considerable advantage in experience.
However, it took some spunk from a rookie to finally get them over the Tigresses.
Following a loss in Game One, FEU countered with a masterful Game Two win to force a do-or-die match for a seat in the Finals.
FEU’s veterans played splendidly, as Jerrili Malabanan, Celine Domingo, and Kyle Negrito combined for 48 points.
Their inspired performance stemmed from a pep talk head coach George Pascua gave, pointing out signature “Be Brave” attitude of newbie Lycha Ebon.
“Chinallenge ko ang mga beterano ko. Sabi ko sa kanila ‘yung first year na wala pa talagang sungay, kumbaga sa FEU baby pa lang, ay lumalaban.
“Dapat kayong may mga sungay na kapag sinabing charge, charge. Hindi ‘yung bata ang nauuna. So, ibig sabihin ipakita nila in action ang pagiging beterano nila,” Pascua shared.
For her part, Ebon knows she has to stop thinking of herself as a rookie in order to play her best.
“Para sa akin po, basta on-game kami, walang angat o walang mababa. Lahat pantay-pantay lang. Ako, as a rookie, kailangan mag-step up talaga para makasabay sa mga seniors ko,” said the Davao-native, who tallied 10 points in Game Two.
“Hindi ko po talaga pine-pressure ‘yung sarili ko kasi kapag pine-pressure ko ‘yung sarili ko, lalo akong mawawala sa laro. Kanina, enjoy na lang para mailabas ko ‘yung game ko.”
If anything, the lefty opposite spiker is thankful to see her seniors dominate.
“Halos rookie lahat sila (UST) eh. Kaya napansin ko sa mga seniors ko ngayon, nag-step up talaga sila lahat. Pinakita nila ‘yung laro talaga nila.”
