It has been a solid Season 85 for the Tamaraws, who outdid expectations.
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws relied on a balanced attack to defeat the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-21, 25-11, 22-25, 25-21, on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, the Tamaraws improved their record to 6-6, keeping their Final Four chances alive.
To get into the postseason, the ladies of Morayta will need to win their two remaining matches, which are against University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses and Adamson University Lady Falcons, both currently sitting in the Top 4.
The Tamaraws don't completely control their fate though, as they will also need at least one team among the Golden Tigresses, the Lady Falcons, or the National University Bulldogs to loses all their remaining games to force a playoff for the fourth seed.
It's a tall task, which is why FEU coach Tina Salak is circumspect on their goals for the remainder of UAAP Season 85.
While they want to win their two remaining matches, their goal is to make the most of the experience.
“‘Yung three remaining games, gusto namin talaga manalo," said Salak. "Pero this time, ang focus namin is kailangan ma-maximize namin 'yung time namin dito sa UAAP,” said Salak.
And with the Final Four looking like an ambitious target right now, the FEU tactician has set another goal for her squad to focus on.
“Best situation namin is 7-7 [win-loss record], so 'yun 'yung pinaka-achievable siguro for the meantime," added Salak.
"Pero kung papalarin talaga sa Final Four, bonus na talaga 'yun,” she elaborated.
FEU's next match is against UST on Sunday, April 23, at 11 in the morning. On the same day, Ateneo will battle their school rivals, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers at 3 p.m.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)