FEU holds off NU in UAAP volleyball opening win

MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University got off to a good start and dismantled National University, 22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-12, in the second game of the opening day of the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Filoil Flying V Center.

The Lady Tamaraws, last season’s runners-up, were quick to recover from their disappointing first set and showed their might in the next three sets.

NU fell further in the game when it lost its only setter Joyme Cagande late in the third set after she collided with Roselyn Doria and suffered a sprained ligament in her left knee.

With the Lady Bulldogs without their only playmaker, their offense quickly fell into shambles while the Lady Tamaraws just took advantage of their wobbled opponent.

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Roselyn Doria threw away her toss attempt that put FEU at the 24-12 match point and France Ronquillo ended things with a well-placed service ace.

FEU head coach George Pascua said NU “was an unfamiliar team” to them with the Lady Bulldogs fielding in just 11 players six of whom are rookies including Cagande.

“NU is unfamiliar to us so we had to adjust in the second set and it was a good thing we were able to recover,” said Pascua in Filipino.

“I actually criticized them but in a calm manner and of course I just instructed them on what they should do.”

Rokie Lycha Ebon led FEU’s charge with 13 points while Heather Guino-o and Celine Domingo added 11 points apiece.

Jerrili Malabanan, the Lady Tamaraws’ captain, pitched in 10 points.

Ivy Lacsina finished with 14 points to lead the Lady Bulldogs while Princess Robles had 13 points.