Final Four trip got FEU ‘too excited’ that led to loss vs UST

FEU coach George Pascua. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University went from ecstatic to miserable in a span of less than two hours.

The Lady Tamaraws earned their Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament when National University beat University of the Philippines, 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 23-25, 17-15, Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

An hour and a half later, the Lady Tamaraws found themselves on the losing end when University of Santo Tomas had its way against them 25-23, 25-18, 25-23.

FEU head coach George Pascua said that his team was felt content upon knowing they’re already assured of a semifinals spot after UP lost.

“I saw their body language, it may be hard to admit, but they were already happy when UP lost against NU,” said Pascua in Filipino. “That wasn’t the one we aimed for today, what we wanted was to beat UST.”

The Golden Tigresses ended their Sunday as the No. 3 team in the tournament with a 9-4 record while the Lady Tamaraws settled for the fourth spot at 8-5.

The Lady Maroons, meanwhile, dropped out of the Final Four race after their loss to the Lady Bulldogs.

Pascua said his team was “overwhelmed” when FEU locked up a Final Four seat that its performance against UST wasn’t at par with what he expected.

“I don’t know what happened. Maybe they were too excited when they knew that they were going to the Final Four,” said Pascua. “I didn’t see what we practiced in preparation for UST.”