FEU’s Jovelyn Fernandez. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—From a team badly bruised last season, Far Eastern University has already come a long way.
The Lady Tamaraws transformed into an entirely different fighting crew and kicked off their second-round stint by dumping the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20, on Saturday at the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball.
“This win will boost our confidence and will serve as motivation in our next game,” said Jovelyn Fernandez, who led the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points on 11 attacks apart from nine excellent digs and three blocks.
FEU just picked up its fourth victory of the season in eight outings, a far cry from the 1-13 record that the Lady Tamaraws assembled last year.
FEU Lady Tamaraws. UAAP PHOTO
“Our goal is to be successful in this second round by winning our remaining games. I believe we can do more and we can reach our potential by believing in ourselves,” said FEU coach Tina Salak, who has been credited for the Lady Tamaraws’ sudden turnaround.
Chenie Tagaod backstopped Fernandez in bombarding the Lady Maroons at the net with 10 attacks aside from 15 receptions while setter Christine Ubaldo had 15 excellent sets.
Jewel Encarnacion paced UP with 12 points built around 11 kills and Nina Ytang had 10 points for the Maroons, who absorbed a fifth straight defeat, their seventh overall in eight games.