Chenie Tagaod is waiting patiently for the FEU Lady Tamaraws' return to glory, after their Final Four exit in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday, May 8.
It has been a long journey for Far Eastern University for the past three seasons.
After finishing with a 1-13 record in UAAP Season 84, the Lady Tamaraws steadily improved to a 6-8 record in Season 85 before putting it all together and securing a Final Four finish in Season 86 with a 9-5 record.
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Having gone through the ups and downs with FEU, Chenie Tagaod couldn’t be any prouder of her team’s effort this season despite coming up short against National University in their do-or-die battle in the Final Four.
“Isipin nyo ‘yung Season 84 namin, isang panalo tapos ngayon [fourth place]. Makikita naman kung gaano nag-improve ‘yung team,” Tagaod during the post-game press conference.
“Hopefully, by next year talagang—hindi man ngayon, dadating at dadating tayo sa oras na 'yun,” she added.
Tagaod paved the way for the Lady Tamaraws’ stunning straight-set win against the Lady Bulldogs last Sunday to force the rubber match.
However, this time, NU seemingly had all the answers for Tagaod and the rest of the FEU squad.
With a successful year under their belt, Tagaod is also grateful for the support from the FEU community over the past few seasons.
"Sakin sobrang thankful ako sa kanila and grateful kasi nga from Season 84, grabe kahit—makikita mo yung crowd [namin] iisa lang, sobrang liit tapos ngayon nakikita namin na kahit pa man nasa dami naming pagkukulang alam namin na nandiyan sila para samin and sobrang thankful talaga kasi nga hindi nila kami sinukuan,” said Tagaod.
For now, it’s back to the drawing board for the Lady Tamaraws but expect even greater things come Season 87.