The Lady Tamaraws kicked off their UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball campaign on a solid note.
The FEU Lady Tamaraws had a perfect start to their UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball campaign, making quick work of the UP Fighting Maroons in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18.
FEU launched a balanced attack against UP, with Gerzel Petallo leading the way with a team-best 16 points, while Chenie Tagod added 12 points and Jean Asis and Faida Bakanke combined for 13 points.
Tin Ubaldo likewise directed FEU's offensive plays by delivering 14 excellent sets to go along with her five attacks and two aces.
Coming from what many saw as a successful season last year, the Lady Tamaraws knew that starting the new season on a solid note would be key for the team’s morale.
FEU finished Season 85 with a 6-8 record for fifth place, a great improvement from their 1-13 record back in Season 84.
“Morale booster namin ito since first game parang nagawa namin ng maayos ‘yung sweep. Dito kami kukuha ng lakas para sa next games namin,” Ubaldo said during the post-game press conference.
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Coach Manolo Refugia, who made his coaching debut on Sunday against UP, shared the same sentiment when it comes to the importance of the team’s opening win.
“Itong first game parang magiging basehan namin, parang bwelo papunta sa mga susunod pang games, so nate-test ‘yung chemistry namin, kung ano ‘yung pinag-trainingan namin ilang buwan,” said Refugia.
The Lady Tamaraws’ grit will be tested early on as they go up against the defending champions, the DLSU Lady Spikers on Wednesday, February 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 2:00 p.m.