Alyssa Valdez vs Toni Rose Basas and Jeanette Villareal. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Far Eastern University’s matchup against Ateneo was met with much fanfare, but the game didn’t live up to the hype.
Head coach Shaq Delos Santos and his team entered Mall of Asia Arena with a hobbled Bernadeth Pons and a lineup riddled with rookies against the defending champions who still have the phenomenal Alyssa Valdez.
After a three set drubbing, the Lady Tamaraws were left to lick their wounds but Delos Santos knew too well what beat them.
READ: Ateneo routs FEU for third straight win in UAAP volleyball
“I think na intimidate, of course, Ateneo and honestly speaking bata pa,” Delos Santos said Wednesday. “Composition ng team isa dalawa senior then puro na bata.”
FEU has five rookies playing on their team: Via Bal, Angelica Cayuna, Ria Duremdes, Carlota Hernandez, and Jeanette Villareal.
Delos Santos also thrust Kyle Negrito in place of Pons and tried to play the injured veteran briefly for defense.
READ: UAAP PREVIEW: Road not easy for Ateneo’s title defense
“Maganda na nangyari, kinukulang lang pa rin kami and I think yung maturity, the way they play, andun naman kaya lang kulang pa consistency,” Delos Santos said after his team allowed Ateneo to an 8-0 start before coming back late in the first set.
“Malaking factor na di siya [Pons] nakakapaglaro kaya nag gamble talaga kami so hinahanapan talaga namin ng other options para makapaglaro iba, kasi kaya naman nila, kaya lang maturity lang talaga.”