Rookie Lycha Ebon shows killer instinct this time in FEU win over UE

Lycha Ebon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University’s Lycha Ebon is showing that she’s more than just a rookie.

The Lady Tamaraws’ prized youngster showed utmost composure in just her second time playing in a pressure-packed five-setter in the UAAP women’s tournament when she led FEU over University of the East, 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 20-25, 15-9, Wednesday.

Ebon admitted that there was always the fear factor in their game against the Lady Warriors but she knew that she can’t let her emotions consume her and that she has to know better than let their opponents once again get the upper hand.

“My mindset was to end it then and there,” said Ebon in Filipino at Filoil Flying V Centre. “We worked hard for us so I knew I had to end it.”

“Of course, I was a bit scared during the match but I knew it should not let it affect me.”

Ebon had already experienced losing in five sets when the Lady Tamaraws squandered their two-set lead over Ateneo en route to a tough 25-14, 25-19, 21-25, 18-25, 12-15 setback late last month.

So when the opportunity presented itself again, the 19-year-old was now better prepared than the last time.

FEU led, 13-9, when Ebon rose to the occasion and scored on two similar plays for the victory to clinch the Lady Tamaraws’ third win in five outings.

“I was telling myself that I won’t be afraid because the more I feel scared the more that my performance will dip,” said Ebon, who finished with 21 points. “I was just thinking that I had to play out what I trained for in FEU.”

“I never doubted myself and I trusted my older teammates that we can win.”