Far Eastern University gifted head coach Tina Salak a victory in her return, thumping Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-16, 25-18, 28-26, in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila Wednesday night.
The Lady Tamaraws faced challenges in the third set but still found a way to squeeze through, leveling their record at 2-2 for joint second with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Salak sparked FEU’s return into contention two years ago but had to step down to a consultant role last year due to personal reasons.
“Grateful kami kasi syempre dalawang talo na kami kailangan lahat ng remaining games namin nilulook forward na namin na dapat panalo kami kaya every game talaga chinicherish namin siya kasi yun yung way namin para makapasok sa final four o di kaya finals,” said team captain Tin Ubaldo, who tossed 14 excellent sets while also getting nine points off four blocks.
After cruising in the first two sets, the Lady Tamaraws struggled with their play patterns, leading to 12 miscues which translated into points that kept the Lady Pirates in the game.
But Ubaldo and Chen Tagaod stepped up in the stretch with the latter delivering back-to-back hits to seal the win in one hour and 23 minutes.
Jean Asis topscored for the Lady Tamaraws with 15 points on 11 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while Tagaod added 10 points, 11 digs, and 11 receptions.
FEU looks to build on this triumph when it faces University of the East on Aug. 25 at the same Manila arena.
Joan Doguna led the way for Lyceum with 10 points and six digs while Stacey Lopez provided seven points of her own.
The Lady Pirates, who fell to 0-3, aim for their first win, also against the Lady Warriors on Aug. 28.
