When University of Sto. Tomas’ Cassie Carballo pulled off what seemed to be the championship-winning 1-2 play that triggered a burst of confetti inside the Philsports Arena, Far Eastern University’s Tin Ubaldo dropped face down on the floor, overwhelmed with regret.
After all, the Lady Tamaraws had every opportunity to tie the series and force a deciding Game 3, especially after taking a commanding 2-1 set lead following the third frame.
“Nung sumabog ‘yung confetti, ‘di ko kasi nakita na nag-challenge, pero super hinayang nung time na ‘yun,” said Ubaldo moments after FEU’s exhilarating comeback victory over the Golden Tigresses last Wednesday.
Ubaldo took her time getting up, assisted by her teammates. Once she realized what was happening – that the Lady Tamaraws had challenged Carballo’s play for a net touch – the regret she felt quickly faded.
In its place came a surge of hope and determination.
At last, after what seemed to be the longest 10 minutes of their lives, the challenge was deemed successful. The game was reset to 14-all, giving FEU another shot at extending the series.
Not wanting to waste their second lease on life, Ubaldo huddled her teammates, some of whom were helping the organizers sweep the confetti that covered the Taraflex. She urged them to maintain their focus in the match.
“Pero nung nabalik ‘yung point, talagang hindi ko binitawan ‘yung chance na binigay sa amin. After ma-favor sa’min ‘yung call, hinuddle ko talaga, nag-huddle talaga kami na parang sa’tin ‘to, chance ‘to. Ibig sabihin may chance pa tayong makabawi,” said a determined Ubaldo.
“Nasa atin ‘yung favor, ‘wag na nating bitawan.”
The Lady Tamaraws showed great resolve despite the unfortunate situation they had faced moments earlier, fending off every UST attempt.
Eventually, they took an emotional, hard-fought 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 17-15 victory to keep their championship hopes alive and kicking.
Ubaldo finished with 22 excellent sets to go along with four points and 10 excellent digs in the two-hour, 33-minute win that denied the Golden Tigresses a season sweep.
“Sobrang happy kasi talagang pinagtrabahuhan namin ‘yung win na ‘to tapos lahat talaga nag-contribute doon sa win. Though maraming lapses, ‘yung errors, lahat ng miscues, pero nakabawi pa rin kami,” said the 5-foot-8 playmaker from Tanza, Cavite.
Ubaldo and the rest of FEU plan to bring the same intensity when they face off against UST in Game 3 of the V-League Women’s Collegiate Finals on Friday at 2:00 PM.
“Same mindset, same mentality, we mean business, but less errors, less miscues, polish ng galaw, polish ng communication.”
