Third-year player Mitzi Panangin steps up as both wing spiker and middle blocker for the FEU Lady Tamaraws in UAAP Season 87.
FEU head coach Tina Salak beamed with pride to have players like middle blocker Mitzi Panangin who are just as determined to fill in the games, as the Lady Tamaraws deal with injuries mid-way through UAAP Season 87.
As they returned to the win column with a five-set victory over Ateneo on Sunday, Panangin played two roles — middle blocker and opposite spiker.
With a grueling schedule to deal with, Panangin had to step up to the plate with some of the Lady Tamaraws nursing injuries. Needing to exceed expectations, Salak was more than happy with Panangin, who ended up with 11 points against the Blue Eagles.
[RELATED: FEU arrests two-game skid with 5-set escape of gutsy Ateneo in UAAP Season 87]
“Yung kay Mitzi, gusto ko din i-appreciate kasi welcome siya dun sa kung ano yung kulang ng team. Maraming hindi makakaintindi but nasa player na kasi yun kung paano i-accept yung ganung role, yung ganung challenge, personal growth, isa yun,” said Salak after the win.
“Tinuturan din namin sila na magkaroon din ng bigger responsibility kasi third year na siya, incoming senior na so malaki din yung scope yung ginagawa naming adjustment from one position to another. But yun nga, sa dalawang positions na nilalagay namin siya, lagi siyang nandon. So I’m very thankful na may mga ganon kaming players sa team.”
The 22-year-old was a game changer for FEU, as she provided some key defensive stops in the deciding fifth set.
After taking a back seat in favor of other hitters like Chenie Tagaod, Faida Bakanke, Jean Asis, and Gerzel Petallo, Panangin rose above the rest with an impactful performance. Though spending some time in the sidelines, she’s kept the fire burning.
“Nung papunta pa po kami dito hanggang nasa dugout po ang iniisip ko lang po is pag pinasok ako gusto ko lang mag-contribute, and magiging proud yung mga coaches na tama po yung pinili nila na ipasok ako,” said Panangin.
“Lagi po ako ready pag tinatawag ako nagre-ready po talaga ako tapos nag-mindset din po mapa-opposite [spiker] or sa middle po,” she added.
Panangin back stopped an 18-point performance for Petallo while Bakanke, who scored three of FEU’s last four points, chipped in 15 markers.
The FEU Lady Tamaraws face a tough schedule this week as they play next on Wednesday, March 5, against the listless UE Lady Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.