By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws refused to go home and stunned the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, to force a win-or-go-home UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Final Four duel on May 4, 2024, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With the massive victory, the Lady Tamaraws just erased NU’s twice-to-beat advantage and will have the chance to score a sweeping series win if they take care of their Game 2 business on May 8, 2024.
Everything just went clicking for the underdogs as the Lady Tamaraws shocked NU with an early 1-0 lead after taking the first set in a nip-and-tuck affair.
FEU made a huge adjustment on the defensive end as they did their homework following a loss against the Lady Bulldogs during the preliminary round.
As early as the first set, FEU already swarmed the Lady Bulldogs with their tremendous middle blocking and forced them to throw long balls.
However, NU still tried to break FEU’s tight defensive coverage but the Lady Tamaraws’ length did wonders as they scored several block kills that steered them into the game.
The Lady Bulldogs finally attempted the long balls to evade FEU’s middle blockers in the third set, enabling them to claw their way back in the game.
Just when NU thought they already had the momentum, Chenie Tagaod stepped up for the Lady Tamaraws and scored timely hits that helped FEU maintain their slim lead.
With another crucial error from the Lady Bulldogs, FEU just exploded in joy and successfully completed the Game 1 victory.
Tagaod’s efforts paid off for the Lady Tamaraws after she was hailed as the Best Player of the Game with 12 points derived from 10 successful attacks, 10 excellent receptions, and four digs.
Backstopping Tagaod in Game 1 were their reliable middle blockers, Jean Asis and Mitzi Panangin, who tallied 11 and 10 points, respectively.
