MANOLO Refugia had to step back from head coaching duties after a successful first year in charge of Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.
The Lady Tamaraws reached the Final Four under his tutelage and was one win away from the championship series when they erased National U's twice-to-beat bonus.
Taking his place was a familiar face, not only for the team but for the school altogether, in Tina Salak.
READ: Lady Tams shoot down super rookie Nitura to move to solo third
From head coach in Season 85, Salak migrated to America and had to relinquish her post before returning midway through Season 86 as one of Refugia's deputies.
Now that they've swapped roles again for good, Refugia sees the sudden change as one on paper alone more than anything else.
"Halos same pa rin naman (connection namin ni coach Tina)," said Refugia.
"Kumbaga, yung position lang naman naiba, pero yung relationship, yung connection naming bawat isa, from coaches to players.
"Same same pa rin naman, walang nagbago."
Stepping in for an under-the-weather Salak on post-game duties, Refugia spoke on the FEU great's behalf in saying how the surging Lady Tams, now on a three-game winning streak, have strongly embodied the school's 'Be Brave' mantra following their early struggles this season.
"Happy kami pati si coach T, in behalf of coach T, may sakit kasi siya. Happy sa performance na ginawa ng mga players and nagbubunga na yung from natalo, yung heartbreaking na talo namin sa UP. Ang baba talaga ng emotion namin nun," the FEU deputy said.
"Unti-unti namng nakakabalik at napapakita na yung FEU Lady Tamaraws talaga."
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