LIKE last season, Far Eastern University began its UAAP women’s volleyball campaign by dispatching University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-18, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Lead playmaker Tin Ubaldo dished out 14 excellent sets on top of seven points on five attacks and two aces.
READ: UST ends reigning champ NU's 34-game win streak in UAAP men's volleyball
In addition, the victory marks a successful debut for newly-appointed head coach Manolo Refugia, while also extending the Fighting Maroons' losing streak to 12 games, dating back to Season 85.
"Morale-booster namin 'to since first game, parang nagawa po namin nang maayos 'yung sweep nga po [versus UP], parang dito po kami kukuha ng lakas para sa next games namin. 'Yun nga, parang sabi ni Coach Nols (Refugia), ito na 'yung first step," said Ubaldo.
Refugia added: "Itong first game, magiging basehan namin, parang buwelo papunta sa mga susunod pang games. So nate-test ‘yung chemistry namin, ‘yung pinag-trainingan namin ng ilang buwan. ‘Yung relationship namin ng girls, from coaches to players, nate-test naman dito sa UAAP."
Morayta's dynamic duo of Gerzel Petallo (16 points) and Chenie Tagod (12 points) ensured that the Lady Tamaraws stayed in the game, successfully thwarting their opponents from Katipunan in their late-set comeback attempts.
The consistent display of skill and determination in all three sets resulted in a disappointing start for UP's new head coach and program director, Oliver Almadro. This loss extends the Maroons' losing streak in the tournament, with their last victory coming in the opening round of Season 85 against FEU.
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