Win over Ateneo signified a major step in FEU program

FEU head coach Shaq Delos Santos remembers building his current squad of Lady Tams from scratch.

After Nes Pamilar’s falling out with the program, Delos Santos slowly added players to fill the roles of the veterans that left with Pamilar.

Last season, the Lady Tamaraws came one win away from the UAAP Finals after forcing the De La Salle Lady Spikers to a do-or-die match.

This Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference, FEU took another leap after defeating the Ateneo Lady Eagles for the first time since UAAP Season 75. FEU had beaten the Lady Eagles in the SVL before but with the help of guest players. This was the first time FEU conquered the Lady Eagles with just their collegiate lineup.

The Lady Tams are primed to have a big year as their core players of Bernadette Pons, Remy Palma, and Toni Basas are reaching their peak together and just at the right time.

“Sobrang happy namin kasi Ateneo na lang talaga ang hindi namin natatalo sa UAAP and napakatagal na noong last. Hindi pa nga ako ang coach noon at karamihan ng players ko ngayon, wala pa noon,” lamented Delos Santos.

“Maganda na makakuga kami ng panalo sa kanila ngayon kesa maghintay pa kami sa UAAP.”

Fourth year open hitter Pons reveled in her first win over the Lady Eagles since she joined the Morayta-based squad.

“Sabi na ni coach na chance nga namin na manalo sa kanila ngayon. Wala naman pressure kasi alam namin na kailangan lang namin i-apply ‘yung mga tinuro niya sa amin para manalo,” Pons told Tiebreaker Times.

“Sobrang saya kasi after three years, ngayon lang namin sila natalo. Siguro sobrang ganda lang ‘rin nang nilaro namin.”

Even with Ateneo’s Phenom Alyssa Valdez gone from their lineup, the Cebu-native remained wary of the Lady Eagles who, she said, are still contenders.

“Nakaka-proud kasi isa ‘yang Ateneo sa mga laging contenders sa UAAP since nagsimula ako. Sa amin lang, gusto namin magtuloy-tuloy ito,” Pons remarked.

Pons adds that her team has gained significant confidence, losing the nerves they got when facing big teams.

“Wala na pong (kaba) kasi ang laki para sa amin ng nangyari sa UAAP.”

“Natutunan namin na dapat every team na makalaban namin, dapat same lang ‘yung mentality and ‘wag i-pressure ang sarili namin,” Pons revealed.

All that’s left now for FEU is to win championships starting with the SVL.

“Hindi kami nag-expect. Pero sabi sa amin ni coach na kaya naman lahat ng kalaban dito, kailangan lang namin magsipag,” the 21-year old open hitter closed.