Far Eastern University swept University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18, to get its first win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Tamaraws gave interim head coach Manolo Refugia Jr. a winning debut, while also extending the Fighting Maroons’ losing streak to 12 games.
“Siguro same feeling nung time ko na naglalaro ako. Exciting siya and mas iba ngayon kasi sideline, mas intense, mas popular na yung volleyball ngayon kaya nakaka-overwhelm para sa mga players, sa lahat ng teams. Masaya, masaya yung feeling,” said Refugia.
With FEU already ahead by eight points in the third set, UP made a last-ditch attempt to save the game.
Jhewel Encarnacion and Stephanie Bustrillo spearheaded a 4-1 rally to slice the lead to within five, 18-23.
Unfortunately, the Fighting Maroons committed crucial errors that cost them the game. Encarnacion incurred a service error.
Then Nina Ytang’s attack was swallowed by the net as the Lady Tamaraws denied coach Oliver Almadro a win in his UP coaching debut.
“Siguro itong first game, magiging basehan namin, parang buwelo papunta sa mga susunod pang games. So nate-test ‘yung chemistry namin, ‘yung pinag-trainingan namin ng ilang buwan. ‘Yung relationship namin ng girls, from coaches to players, nate-test naman dito sa UAAP,” said Refugia.
Gerzel Petallo seized the spotlight, scoring a game-high 16 points on 12 attacks and four blocks.
Chenie Tagaod backstopped her with 12 points on 12 attacks to go along with four excellent receptions for FEU.
Tin Ubaldo steered the offense with 14 excellent sets along with seven big points.
The Lady Tamaraws will square off against defending champion De La Salle University on Wednesday, 2:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ytang led the way for the Fighting Maroons with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
Meanwhile, Encarnacion had 11 markers along with seven excellent receptions and three excellent digs.
UP looks to barge into the win column versus Adamson University on Saturday, 2:00 PM at the MOA Arena.
