The Lady Tamaraws displayed a potent blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience, dismantling a UP squad that had previously shown flashes of brilliance, including a remarkable reverse sweep against the formidable National University Lady Bulldogs. Sunday's match, however, painted a different picture, as FEU dictated the tempo for much of the one-hour and 22-minute contest, showcasing a maturity and cohesion that has steadily grown throughout the season.
Alyzza Devosora spearheaded the Lady Tamaraws' relentless attack, finishing with an impressive 15 points, highlighted by 13 successful attacks and two crucial aces. Her consistent output proved to be a constant headache for the Fighting Maroons' defense, often breaking their reception and setting up follow-up plays for her teammates. Team captain Gerzel Petallo, lauded for her leadership and all-around game, contributed a significant 13 points, comprised of 10 kills and two aces, complementing her offensive prowess with eight excellent digs and eight receptions. Her steady hand and presence on the court were instrumental in guiding FEU through critical junctures of the match. Middle blocker Cla Loresco also made her presence felt, adding 11 points, including four blocks, disrupting UP’s rhythm at the net. Further contributions came from Faida Bakanke and Jazlyn Ellarina, who chipped in nine and eight points respectively, demonstrating the depth of FEU's roster.
FEU Head Coach Tina Salak, one of only two female head coaches in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament, expressed immense satisfaction with her team's performance, particularly highlighting the leadership of Devosora and Petallo. "Their effort and leadership were huge. It's not just about scoring points, but more about how they connect with each other on the court," Salak remarked. She also credited her coaching staff, emphasizing the diligent preparation that went into studying their opponents' tendencies. "We had about a week to prepare, and during that time we studied all the tendencies and details of our opponents," she added. The victory held a special significance for Salak, falling on International Women's Day. She viewed her role with the team as an opportunity to inspire other women, stating, "It's more about how we can influence other people through the way we work, the way we play and the way we coach." Her philosophical approach to coaching, combined with her team's improving performance, offers a compelling narrative for the Lady Tamaraws this season.
For the University of the Philippines, the loss was a stark contrast to their previous heroics. They struggled to find their rhythm and convert opportunities, failing to have any player reach double digits in scoring. Joan Monares led the Fighting Maroons with eight points, while Kianne Olango and Niña Ytang each contributed six points. The team's challenge was further compounded by an unfortunate incident in the first set when transferee Casiey Dongallo, a key offensive weapon, suffered an apparent left-leg injury while her team trailed 11-24. Her premature exit undoubtedly impacted UP’s offensive strategy and morale for the remainder of the match. The Fighting Maroons, now with a 3-2 record, slipped into a tie for fourth place with the Adamson University Lady Falcons, illustrating the competitive nature of the league and the difficulty of maintaining consistent momentum.
The first set saw the Lady Tamaraws assert immediate dominance, establishing an early lead and never looking back, closing it out comfortably at 25-13. While the Fighting Maroons mounted a more spirited challenge in the second set, even cutting a six-point deficit midway through the third set to three points with an ace from Kianne Olango, FEU maintained its composure. Crucially, in the tightly contested second set, FEU managed to hold off UP’s surge, securing a 25-21 win. The third set, despite a late push from UP that briefly narrowed the gap to 12-15, ultimately saw the Lady Tamaraws pull away decisively. Lovely Lopez, Faida Bakanke, and Jazlyn Ellarina delivered a crucial four unanswered points to seal the sweep, highlighting FEU’s ability to close out sets and matches with authority.
This victory underscores a significant turning point for the FEU Lady Tamaraws in Season 88. After a mixed start, securing three straight wins, including this sweep over a resilient UP team, suggests a growing confidence and tactical execution. The team's climb to solo third place positions them favorably as the first round of eliminations nears its conclusion. Their upcoming match against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses will be another critical test of their newfound momentum.
Conversely, the UP Fighting Maroons face the immediate challenge of regrouping. The injury to Casiey Dongallo, combined with the comprehensive nature of the sweep, will require a strategic reassessment. Their previous upset victory against National University demonstrated their potential, but consistency remains a hurdle. They will need to quickly bounce back in their next outing to avoid losing further ground in the fiercely contested standings. The UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament continues to be a battle of attrition, where every match holds significant weight in the race for the coveted Final Four slots. FEU, with its latest triumph, has firmly announced its intentions to be a strong contender. ©️KuryenteNews