The freshies played like veterans in the victory.
The Far Eastern University [FEU] Tamaraws pulled off an impressive upset as they took down the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a five-set thriller, 25-12, 15-25, 19-25, 25-15, 18-16 in Season 85 of the UAAP women's volleyball tournament.
Aside from being thankful for the victory, FEU coach Tina Salak also lauded the team's rookies who played exceptional throughout the match, especially in the fifth and final set.
“Nag-step up sila para sa team, so hindi ko inexpect pero I'm very proud kung ano 'yung pinakita ng mga freshmen,” said Salak. “Talagang sila 'yung bumuhat sa seniors and especially sana maging inspiration ginawa ng lahat.”
FEU’s rookie libero Marga Encarnacion pulled off an excellent performance, tallying 35 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
Encarnacion, though, credits her teammates and coaches for pushing her to have this type of breakout performance.
“Hindi ko po akalain na magagawa ko lahat 'yung best ko. Masasabi ko lang, [kung] hindi po dahil sa team, hindi ko po malalabas kung ano ako. Kumbaga kung hindi po dahil kina Coach [Tina] and sa teammates ko, eto ako ngayon,” said Encarnacion.
With the win, FEU improved to a 2-2 record, already a better showing as compared to last season. But for Salak, the team still has to shake off the “losing mentality.”
“Ang sabi ko, hindi natin puwedeng ma-feel na lagi tayong talo, so marami kaming drama past few days pero eventually ngayon, napalitan,” said Salak. “Pero ang sa akin lang, maging lesson din ito sa players na hindi dapat maka-feel or hindi na nga sila masanay na laging matatalo. Believe in themselves na kaya namin, beatable lahat eh.”
The Tamaraws will try to pull off another upset as they take on the De La Salle Lady Spikers on Saturday, March 11 at 12 p.m.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)