FEU Lady Tamaraws. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
FAR Eastern University is back in the Final Four and the Lady Tamaraws did it by going on a relentless four-game win streak to close out their campaign in the eliminations of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
It was an opportune time for the Lady Tamaraws, who for a time were battling for a spot in the semifinals against University of the Philippines, National University, and University of the Philippines but 14 games have elapsed and FEU is on solo third.
Team captain Mary Joy Palma said their four-game win streak going into the big dance is vital for their confidence but it’s also crucial, she said, not to hold on to it for too long.
“Mahirap siyang panghawakan, pero once nagtrabaho kami kung paano namin pinaghirapan yung four straight wins mas ma-boost yung morale at confidence namin,” Palma said after a grueling four-setter against Adamson University Wednesday at San Juan Arena.
“Hindi kami puwedeng mag relax.”
Palma and the Lady Tamaraws are not allowed to take things lightly against either Ateneo, the two-time defending champions, or De La Salle, last year’s runners-up, but there’s something the top two teams have that FEU doesn’t have: Pressure.
Head coach Shaq Delos Santos said the team does not have the same burden the Lady Eagles and Lady Spikers carry as Season 77 finalists.
“Sinasabi ko sa mga bata na wala namang pressure na ide-defend na title,” Delos Santos said.
Palma, too, echoed her mentor’s words of going up against the two best teams of Season 78.
“Syempre magaan sa feeling kasi kami paakyat pa lang, pero pag bumitaw wala na,” Palma said. “Huwag na hayaan mawala chances kasi ito na once nagkamali ka lahat yun magsisisi ka in the end.”