UAAP: FEU sheds ‘dark horse’ mentality as it plays like a contender

FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament game against Adamson Lady Falcons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University’s back-to-back losses served as a wake-up call to embrace its contender status in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

One important thing that the Lady Tamaraws realized during their two consecutive losses to the University of the Philippines and defending champion National University was that they are no longer the dark horse this year.

READ: UAAP: FEU Lady Tamaraws flaunt contender status with third straight win

They have to live up to the high expectations as one of the contenders with their intact roster. 

FEU has won three consecutive games, capped by a 23-25, 25-15, 25-13, 25-10 victory over the Shaina Nitura-led Adamson to rise to a 4-2 record on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“We’re contenders now. Unlike last season, where people saw us as a dark horse, saying we weren’t ripe yet and just barely made it to fourth place,” said Gerz Petallo, who had 16 points and 15 excellent receptions.”

“This time, we’re really going to fight. We’re going to show our talents and everything we’ve been working for as a team.”

FEU deputy coach Manolo Refugia said their team needs to prove that they are contenders, not just through words but through actions.

READ: UAAP: Chenie Tagaod, FEU determined to reach Finals this time

Refugia, speaking for coach Tina Salak who was under the weather, was pleased with how the Lady Tamaraws took on the challenge of having three games in a span of seven days.

Jean Asis, who scattered six kills, five aces, and three blocks to finish with 14 points, said they can’t miss this opportunity to rise from a Final Four exit last year, falling to NU in a do-or-die game.

“I think we’ve really seen the potential of the team. After the back-to-back losses, we realized we’re no longer the same team we were before. This is a completely different story, a new season, with new people,” said Asis in Filipino. “We believe in the team’s abilities, so we decided not to waste the opportunity to perform well on the court and show our potential to the fans and in how we play.”

Asis added that they have more room to improve as they end the first round against La Salle on Saturday next week.

“Sometimes, we still lose our courage, especially during the endgame. That’s something we need to develop in ourselves. Sometimes we let go, but little by little, we’re finding our pacing as a team. We’ve built that together, and now you can really see it—when it’s crunch time, no one gives up, and everyone keeps fighting,” said Asis.