By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
Far Eastern University-Diliman remained unblemished in three games in the UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Volleyball Tournament, taking down National University Nazareth School in four sets, 25-20, 25-19, 26-24, 25-19, on Sunday at Paco Arena in Manila.
The match showcased a resilient performance from Aleah Devosora and the Lady Baby Tamaraws, particularly in the fourth set.
After initially trailing 12-8, the Lady Baby Tamaraws quickly regrouped, executing a four-point rally to tie the score at 13.
A service ace Sheila Pascual soon gave FEU-D the lead, followed up with another four-point run to extend their advantage to 18-14.
However, the Lady Bullpups would respond, scoring four consecutive points to level the match at 18.
Undeterred, FEU-D launched a decisive seven-point streak that brought them to match point.
An attack from Devosora, who sat out the second set after having to exit the court due to an awkward landing in the first set, clinched the lead, while a block by Raine Alonzo secured the victory.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Talagang kailangan namin siya (Devosora) lalo na sa block. Although prepared naman ‘yung palitan niya, buti nag-focus naman lahat sa blockings kasi ‘yung naman ang sinabi ko sa kanila,” remarked Lady Baby Tamaraws head coach Joanne Bunag, an FEU legend herself.
“Ang number one attack namin, kung kaya namin kunin lahat sa block, kukunin namin. Buti nag-deliver din ‘yung kapalitan.”
Pascual delivered a standout performance, contributing 17 points through 15 kills and 12 digs during the match, which lasted an hour and 42 minutes.
Alonzo and Devosora added 10 and nine points, respectively.
Bunag praised her players, highlighting their determination to improve after a previous game against UPIS.
“Halos lahat ng player ko bago, dalawang player lang natira. Pero ‘yung nga, tinrabaho talaga nila kaya bibigay ko ‘yung sa kanila sa mga players talaga. Kasi after ng game namin against UP, talagang desidido talaga silang manalo sa NU, gusto talagang makabawi,” she stated.
“From practice, makikita mo naman sa mga bata kung gaano sila kasipag. Kaya siguro ‘yun ang naging result ng game ngayon, nakita natin lagi silang pursigi na manalo.”
On the other side of the court, Jenelyn Jacob and Akeyla Bartolabac led the Lady Bullpups with nine points each.
This loss brought the Lady Bulldogs record to 1-1 in the tournament.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines Integrated School finally celebrated its first victory after three matches, blasting Ateneo De Manila University in straight sets, 25-17, 25-13, and 25-9.
The match lasted just over an hour, with Janella Guarino leading the Junior Fighting Maroons with 12 points, including 11 kills and one block.
Niña Abad and Elisha Capus contributed with nine points each.
The Blue Eagles fell to 0-3 in the tournament.
