Lady Tams want to make sure everyone is on the same page
The Lady Tamaraws celebrate after debuting with a straight-sets win in the V-League Collegiate Challenge. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
No one can say that Far Eastern University (FEU) is all talk and no action.
In fact, the Lady Tamaraws’ communication was vital in their opening win against Mapua University on Monday night in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Championship at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
“Communication is [really] the key for us so we can execute all our plays; in defense, our coordination in blocks, then in attacks. That’s why we were able to show that because of our good communication,” FEU interim coach Manolo Refugia told the Inquirer after the Lady Tams’ 25-23, 25-14, 25-18 victory over the Lady Cardinals.
The Morayta-based squad has been doing well so far in their offseason preparations with everyone in the Lady Tams’ lineup—both starters and second unit—having the opportunity to show what they can give, especially in SSL where teams are required to field all their players.
And in their straight sets win, almost every Lady Tams scored a point or more, which Refugia said was a part of the system they’re working on.
“In our system, we don’t let our attacking revolve around just one person, it’s team play. That’s why we reached our objective of having everyone contribute,” said Refugia, who was delighted to see his wards’ strong performance on the way to their first win.
Wing spiker Alyzza Devosora paced FEU with 18 points built around 16 attacks and four aces while Gerzel Petallo added 10 despite the Lady Cardinals’ defensive efforts, especially behind the net.
Refugia, who started calling the shots for the Lady Tams early this year following former coach Tina Salak’s migration to the United States, praised his Lady Tams and welcomed the opportunity for them to showcase their skills.
“I will commend our stringers because they showed their determination (to win) so they performed well … not only the first six, but also the second six had the chance to show their [talents].”
Far Eastern will try to utilize their effective communication once again as they look to upset another NCAA squad in Emilio Aguinaldo College, who looks to start their SSL campaign on a high note on Saturday at the same venue. INQ
