Now FEU’s No. 2, Lycha Ebon channels inner Bernadeth Pons to lead team to victory

MANILA, Philippines—She may be a rookie but Lycha Ebon is carrying Far Eastern University’s No. 2 jersey with a pride that can even resemble that of its previous owner.

The Lady Tamaraws’ No. 2 shirt is iconic for the sole reason that Bernadeth Pons was the last one to wear it.

Criticisms may have come Ebon’s way for wearing Pons’ old number, but the young outside hitter isn’t putting too much thought into that negativity.

“Ate Pons just told me that the No. 2 is just a number and that’s all I think of,” said Ebon in Filipino in FEU’s four-set win over National University, 22-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-12, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“I don’t mind what the outsiders tell me or say about me because they don’t know what transpired on our side.”

Ebon also seemed to have channeled the abilities of Pons, who was an MVP candidate in the past two UAAP season, when she topscored for the Lady Tamaraws with 13 points.

The rookie’s performance also earned the praise of head coach George Pascua and team captain Jerrili Malabanan.

“It’s possible that Ebon will eventually carry our offense because she also plays the same position as Pons’,” said Pascua in Filipino.

“I’m proud of the way my teammates performed especially Lycha, it was her first game but she didn’t play like a rookie,” said Malabanan who finished with 10 points.

Ebon said that she originally wanted to wear No. 7  but fellow rookie France Ronquillo beat her to it.

“I really wanted the No. 7 shirt but it was already taken and No. 2 was the only one available so I had no choice,” said Ebon.