Tina Salak returns as FEU Lady Tamaraws coach

FEU Lady Tamaraws’ coach Tina Salak. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Tina Salak will reprise her role as the head coach of the Far Eastern University women’s volleyball team ahead of the UAAP Season 87.

FEU Athletics on Wednesday that the legendary setter is back as a full-time coach for the Lady Tamaraws with Manolo Refugia staying as a vital part of her coaching staff.

“From the outset, it has been our intention for Coach Tina to provide long-term mentorship in FEU. However, personal administrative matters made her miss most of the buildup for Season 85 when she remained involved as a consultant,” the school announced. 

“We are confident that Tina and Manolo’s leadership and expertise will continue to drive our team towards the ultimate goal of winning our 30th UAAP championship.”

Salak, a former UAAP MVP and champion, made her homecoming last year, helping the Lady Tamaraws rise from a one-win Season 84 to almost reaching the Final Four with a 6-8 finish in Season 85. 

The former Philippine national team setter, however, had to step down from her post due to her plans to migrate but still stayed with the squad as a consultant for Refugia’s coaching staff.

Under Refugia, the Lady Tamaraws returned to the Final Four in Season 86 with a 9-5 record in the elimination round and pushed the eventual champions, National University Lady Bulldogs, to their limits by winning their first game to remove the latter’s twice-to-beat advantage.

FEU, however, fell short as NU advanced to the Finals, where it swept the University of Santo Tomas for its second title in three seasons.

The Lady Tamaraws recently lost to the Lady Bulldogs in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals championship and they are currently competing in the V-League.

Salak will handle an intact squad composed of Tin Ubaldo, Chenie Tagaod, Gerzel Petallo, Jean Asis, and Faida Bakanke.