Five FEU Lady Tamaraws finished with at least two blocks in the team's four-set win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 17.
Far Eastern University unleashed a dominant outing at the net in its four-set win over Ateneo de Manila University, 25-22, 22-25, 25-13, 25-21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 17.
The Lady Tamaraws recorded a season-best 15 blocks with five different players finishing with at least two blocks.
For coach Manolo Refugia, defense was indeed the priority for FEU to defeat a gritty Ateneo squad.
"Ayun talaga 'yung pinractice namin at pinag-aralan namin na dapat naming gawin kapag kalaban Ateneo. Kasi mostly technical nila is matataas 'yung bola, so kailangan namin nung timing," Refugia said during the post-game press conference.
Tin Ubaldo and Chen Tagaod likewise bared how the team emphasized their blocks and defense during training.
Ubaldo finished with two blocks and 15 excellent sets, while Tagaod had 18 points built on 15 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace. The 5-foot-8 outside hitter also had 10 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions in the victory.
"Laging nireremind tsaka 'yung tinetraining namin, as in una pa lang block. Kasi laging sinasabi nila coach na pag na-block na natin, wala na tayong gagawing iba. Parang mas madali trabaho namin kung maba-block namin," said Ubaldo.
"Kasi na-block mo, hindi na pupunta sa court namin, edi puntos na siya agad, so mas madali trabaho [at] hindi pagod," Tagaod added.
With the win over Ateneo, FEU finishes the first round with back-to-back wins for a 4-3 record, affirming the fourth spot in the standings.