Gerzel Petallo is proving to be the spark that ignites Far Eastern University’s resurgence.
With her explosive performances, Petallo has powered the Lady Tamaraws to solo third in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, turning them from underdogs into true contenders.
Petallo’s stellar outings from March 5 to 9 not only helped FEU make a statement against their opponents, but also earned her the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) UAAP Women’s Player of the Week honor, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
She shined in FEU’s 25-23, 25-19, 25-20 sweep of University of the East last Wednesday, delivering 12 points along with eight digs and six receptions.
She followed it up with a dominant 16-point performance against Adamson University on Saturday, tallying 14 attacks, two aces, and five digs in the Lady Tamaraws’ 23-25, 25-15, 25-13, 25-10 victory over the Lady Falcons.
Her efforts powered the Morayta-based squad to three consecutive wins, improving their record to 4-2. For Petallo, this surge is proof that the Lady Tamaraws have solidified their place among the top contenders of Season 87.
“Yung akin lang po, we’re a contender na talaga ngayon,” said Petallo, who bested University of Santo Tomas’ star trio of Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, and Detdet Pepito, National University’s Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, and La Salle’s Angel Canino for the weekly award, which is also supported by Discovery Suites and World Balance.
“Hindi lang kami yung dark horse nung last season na sobrang hilaw pa. Nakakasabit pa lang raw kami sa fourth. Ngayon po, talagang lalaban na kami at we’re gonna showcase our talents na,” she added.
Petallo and the Lady Tamaraws will look to sustain their momentum as they wrap up the first round against La Salle on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
