The FEU Tamaraws are ready to present a better version of themselves in UAAP Season 88 after missing out on the championship last year.
It’s always tough to fall short of your goal, but it's a different kind of pain for the FEU Tamaraws as they were one set short of denying NU's five-peat in UAAP Season 87.
The Tamaraws entered last year's Finals as the no. 1 seed, and were one one set away of wrapping the series in Game 2.
However, FEU's first UAAP title since Season 74 was not meant to be, as the Tamaraws ended up losing in three games and were swept altogether in Game 3.
Among those key to FEU’s run to the Finals last year was Mikko Espartero, who had experienced his first glimpse into the battle for the championship.
Having struggled when it mattered the most, Espartero said their team worked to solidify their skills — albeit, not just physically.
Caving in to pressure in the winner-take-all Game 3, mental strength was focal point in FEU's buildup for UAAP Season 88.
“Mas nag-focus yung team ngayon. Actually bago bumalik galing bakasyon, mas finocusan ng team ngayon sa mental [side], mental [side] ng team. Kasi mas dun nga kami nagkaproblema pag dating sa duluhan ng game. Yun yung kailangan namin ayusin,” he said.
Espartero revealed that the team had since employed a sports psychologist, who has kept the players minds at ease, especially as they inch closer to a chance at redemption.
With the psychologist’s own roots in competitive volleyball, the Tamaraws now feel seen and understood.
“May player na nag-sports psychologist namin, at sobrang close namin, at sobrang nanay nanay namin na sobrang malapit samin. Volleyball player din, at malapit talaga samin,” Espartero said.
“Ayun, yung finofocus niya samin yung mental health namin na dapat sa moment ng crucial, pag nap-pressure, yung ganon, paano i-handle yung pressure, pano pakalmahin yung sarili sa loob ng court, lalo na nga pag duluhan,” he added.
Better and consistent
At any rate, Espartero is thankful for another shot at bettering himself. Especially after being a step slow when FEU needed him the most.
With a Finals berth and a year of experience under his belt, the second-year standout is hopeful to show off better form this time around, and keep himself on top of his game each and every game day — especially in the hard moments.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa sarili ko na mas dapat maging prepared sa lahat ng mga mangyayari, and sa nangyari last season. Siguro, nag-focus ako ngayon sa pagiging consistent ko sa paglalaro. Ayun na nga. Maging ready sa lahat,” he said.
The FEU Tamaraws will measure themselves against fellow Final Four contender La Salle when they open their campaign on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.