With a low-downed performance last University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Women’s Volleyball team undergoes a superior overhaul.
After 29 crowns and a silver finish in UAAP 71, volleybelles fell to fifth place last UAAP 72, marking FEU’s first exile from the final four since the slot introduction a decade ago.
“We are considered to be one of the best, we have the best program in volleyball. We have 29 championships so everyone’s disappointed, Mr. [Anton] Montinola, myself, even the coaching staff. So we’re going to make changes this year,” Athletic Director Mark Molina stated.
The Lady Tams greeted UAAP 72 with injured players like Nica Custodio, Shedd Dela Peña and key player Shaira Gonzalez. Adding burden was the exit of veterans Mecaila Irish Morada and Rachelle Ann Daquis.
However, Coach Nestor Pamilar pointed out the team’s downgraded feat, “’Di p’wede maging reason ‘yung dahil may mga napilay, mga na-injury so naging masayadong mababa ‘yung performance (Injuries can’t be blamed. The team’s performance was really poor).”

The revamp
While Pamilar was on hunt for new players at Palarong Pambansa in Tarlac, FEU asked the service of the retired veteran coach, Florentino “Kid” Santos as the spikers’ coach for the First Conference of the Seventh Shakey’s V-League.
With a 0-4 ill-slated fate in V-League, the tournament was set as the tryout for all the players who will make the team’s new roster.
From 24 players, heads were chopped and only five players were left in the lineup including Gonzalez, Monique Tiangco, setter Robey Remigio, Wenneth Eulalio and reigning overall Most Valuable Player Cherry May Vivas.
The big upsets were spikers Dela Peña, Custodio, Janine Peñaranda, Maria Pagdanganan and setter April Jose. 2008 Championship members Mary Rose Cabanag and libero Rose Taganas also lost their spot on the team.
“Nirerespeto ko naman mga paglalaro n’yo [volleybelles] pero ang standard ko ‘eto, ‘eto lang ang gusto ko sa team (I respect how you play but these are my standards for the team),” Santos said.
He added that UAAP only gives five playing years for an athlete and he expects that the athlete must reach his fullest potential in less than the said span of time.
Scholarship for senior players with a year left for studies were accommodated but not for the freshmen and sophomores.
On the other hand, the players are also free to transfer to another school or sport, like Peñaranda and Dela Peña who shifted to Beach Volley.

Puzzle point
Jose claimed that they left the team not only with Santos’ decision but also for personal reasons. However, she explained that they have no grudges against the remaining players and the University.
On the other hand, Coaches Santos and Pamilar, Molina and the remaining players cleared the issues of personal biases.
“Challenge nga ‘to sa mga old players (This is a challenge for the old players), you have to show that you deserve your slot. So the issue is really performance,” Molina said.
“Bago pa magstart ‘yung V-League sinabihan kami na tryout ‘yun. Sinabi mismo ni Boss Anton [Montinola] (Even before the V-League started, Sir Anton Montinola told us that the league will be our tryout),” Remigio said.
Flashing back baller Marc Barroca and spikers Camille Abanto and Mecaila Morada also departed their teams. Molina stated, “It’s hard to comment because every case is different. In Mhica’s [Morada] case, Mhica was not removed from the team, she didn’t want to play anymore.”

Vague future
Final lineup for the green and gold squad remains uncertain as the team trains and recruits more players. Meanwhile, newly appointed Team Captain Vivas recovers from a kidney problem while Gonzalez stays undecided in playing as well as she recuperates from Shin Splints and Stress Fractures as of press time.
However, with the filtered roster, Pamilar remains upbeat with the adjustments occurring to team. Top caliber rookies from Palarong Pambansa are as hot as fire with burning desires to learn for tougher level of competition.
“Unang-una, ‘tong mga bagong ‘to s’yempre rookies ‘yan agresibo ‘yan ‘eh. Interesado ‘yan sa mga bagong tinuturo. Medyo tatiyagain na lang ng konti. I-guide ng maayos para mas ma-develop ‘yung skills nila (We’ll train the rookies hard especially that they’re aggressive to learn new things),” Pamilar affirmed.
Remaining players move forward and tune-up with the rookies as they stay in focus with their trainings and always pray for spiritual guidance. And as what Coach Santos always reminds his damsels and all the FEU athletes, “Kaya kalahati lang ‘yung Tamaraw d’yan sa jersey niyo kasi ‘yung kalahati nasa puso niyo (Half of the Tamaraw’s face is on your jersey, and the other half is in your hearts).”

Under the searing sun they relentlessly ran and over the velvet field they flew with versatility. Then after three days of daring toughness, they walked home with chins up, carrying once more the green and gold glory.
Overall champion Far Eastern University (FEU) Track and Field Team secured their championship title notching 10 gold medals, 12 silver dubs and eight bronze tiaras in the senior division (20 years old and above), and claiming a 4-10-6 medal tally in the junior category (18 to 19 age group), in the annual Milo National Open Track and Field Championships at the Rizal Memorial Oval last May 21 to 23.
The three-day meet was participated by over a thousand tracksters from all over the country like University of Baguio (UB), Rizal Technological University (RTU)-Laguna, University of the Philippines-Los Baňos and also from foreign countries like Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan.
FEU snatched the top spot in the Girl’s division after wielding 166 points, far cry from 59 points of second best UB. Morayta-based tracksters also dominated the Women’s division after earning 89 points as second placer Virgen Milagrosa University secured 69 points. UB tallied 57 points to mark third.
Meanwhile, in the Boy’s division, FEU snared the second spot garnering 70 points, three scores shy to first placer Cebu City Team A grabbing 73 points. Fourth placer Men Tracksters were left short-handed after earning 29 points as Philippine Air Force topped the division boasting 95 points.

Female fierceness
In the girls’ division, Carmen Dalyn started the FEU rampage after grabbing bronze in 3000m steeplechase and 10000m run timing 12:26.7 and 44:54.94, respectively.
Lady Tam Zara Sunga threw with might for silver at a 30.89m output in the discus throw event behind RTU-Laguna’s Ira Marie Hernandez who landed a 30.28m win.
Jennefer Penepona added another gold in FEU’s medal-rich basket as she hurled the iron spear with a 37.27m redemption at the javelin throw, followed by another Lady Tam Christianne Serra’s silver at 30.60m.
“Talagang maganda lang ang game [nila], ibig sabihin, nasa right track pa talaga tayo (Their game was superb. We are still on the right track),” Women’s Coach Roselyn Hamero said, who embarked with 10 athletes in the juniors and 24 in the seniors.
At the Women’s battle royale, FEU’s senior tracksters commenced their title retention with Mary Anne dela Cruz and Nancy Pilaro’s gold-silver finish at the 3000m steeplechase.
FEU’s Riezel Buenaventura warmly welcomed her Taiwanese contest with a 3.63m flight for the pole vault event’s gold, totally overwhelming second placer Mei-Lien Kuan’s 3.40m.
Lady Tam Mary Jane Miano and Team Captain Kenneth Grace Ferrera gunned gold and silver in discus throw with a height of 33.94 and 32.78, respectively.
The formidable force of FEU’s quartet Buenaventura, Hanelyn Loquinto, Maria Jenny Togle and Mildrid Salut were too much to stop as no team kept pace with them on the race for the gold in the 4×100m relay clocking in 53.69 seconds.
Shortly, the victory and the team’s speed, stamina, and conditioning were made doubtless by Lady Tam Carmina Bernardino’s triumph, recording 2:42:28.6 in the 20000m walk for the sweet top spot.

Early sign of comeback
On the distaff side, Men tracksters proved that they came primed to soar high and leave a battlecry.
In Boy’s division, the tandem of Jesson Cid, Pernel Lobos, John Rey Bardos and Mark Ian Delos Santos secured gold for FEU’s medal haul in 4×400m relay timing 3:25.43.
Sprinter Cid handed five burnished medals to FEU: two gold medals in decathlon and 4×400m relay, a couple of silver each in 400m hurdles and high jump with a height of 56.02m and 1.85m and copped bronze in long jump distancing 6.66m.
Cid is qualified to join the 26th South East Asian (SEA) Games at Indonesia after marching with 6094 points at junior level, erasing the 28-year old record of Dario De Rosas’ 5535 points during the 1982 Philippines-United States of America Dual Meet.
“Sobrang masaya ako kasi ako ‘yung pinili nila at proud ako sa sarili ko kasi ibang level naman ‘yung sasalihan ko (I’m happy because they have chosen me to join SEA Games and proud because that’s another level of competition),” Cid said.
Tams Lobos and Bardos shared the spotlight with Cid as they also got slots in SEA Games.
Men’s team Coach Rosito Andaya was impressed with his wards’ performance after the tourney. He thinks positively that FEU could get back to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 73 championship after giving up the throne to UE last season.
“[They were] excellent. Sa lakas ng mga bata ngayon, we will get back in the UAAP Championships. Nasa atin ang most outstanding athletes like Jesson Cid. Early this summer, we are ready to get back (FEU got the most outstanding athletes, so early this summer we’re ready to get back in UAAP Championships),” he shared.
With enough learning experience from the National Open, FEU Tracksters are more than prepared to take the UAAP title back home.

Though forced to vacate their throne, the green and gold proved their end didn’t say it all, crowning an achievement of fighting at all cost in a contentious match with lips sealed, but hearts out.
“Maganda ‘yung nilaro ng mga bata (The players did good),” Coach Glenn Capacio said as he stepped out from the venue, where the FEU Tamaraws was robbed of a back-to-back conquest for the foul-plagued FilOil Flying-V Invitational Cup title by San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Stags in an epic 78-79 battle last June 13.
Backcourt blitz of RR Garcia and rookie Terrence Romeo, who combined for 41 points, thrust the Tams their first taste of the lead after trailing behind by 14 points all-throughout, 57-55 with 9:28 in the fourth.
But Stag Calvin Abueva, despite being on-court for the entire game, looked as if he drank a gallon of energy drink as he out-rebounded the foul-troubled FEU frontcourt and scored 12 points, half of SSC-R’s 24-fourth-quarter points.
The pay-off period turned every possession into once-in-a-lifetime baskets having six deadlocks out of the match’s seven. FEU last led over SSC-R through Smart Gilas mainstay Aldrech Ramos’ jumper at 1:35, 75-73.
The reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion Stags galloped behind Pamboy Raymundo’s eight straight points. The 21-year-old guard fished out a three-point play off Garcia’s foul, 75-78, with 44.6 seconds left.
Capacio then called Paul Sanga back in the court that had the Stags’ eyes fixed on the smooth-shooting six-foot-three swingman and ace playmaker Garcia, leaving Ramos wide open on the top-left key for a triple, 78-78, at 34.7 ticks on the clock.
Ramos, at the defensive end, blocked Raymundo’s shot at 12.8 seconds, and swatted it completely against Abueva with 5.0 ticks still on, but an alleged lose ball foul by FEU’s Chris Exciminiano shocked the green and gold crowd and bench. Raymundo split his gift shots, which spelled golden medals for SSC-R.
The Tams had one last breath at the remaining 2.9 seconds. With no timeouts left, JR Cawaling inbound the ball from end to half court onto Sanga who quickly dished to the unmanned Ramos, but the six-foot-seven center missed as the ball just went into the rim, then vomited it out.
“FEU is FEU. Champion team din ‘yan. Talagang nagkatalo lang sa breaks (FEU is FEU, they are a champion-caliber team. The difference was the breaks),” Stags Head Coach Ato Agustin said.
“Nag-adjust lang talaga kami sa defense namin kay RR [Garcia], kay RR kasi talaga nagsisimula (We adjusted our defense over RR. He is their core, so we marked him),” he furthered.
To date, it is the first time a NCAA team was hailed champion in the cup since its start on 2007.
Abueva, who finished with 23 points, was named both Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, while Garcia and six-foot-five FEU center Reil Cervantes were part of the Mythical Five.
Garcia, a former RP-Youth U-18 reinforcement and a current FEU sophomore, bled for his 21 points, five assists and two steals after being bullied and hounded by the Stags pesky defenders.
UAAP Season 72 Juniors Most Valuable Player Romeo, accumulated 20 points, seven steals, three boards and an assist as Ramos stroke with 13 points, five blocks and an assist.

After ramping the red carpet as crowned kings and queens in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72, Morayta-based Chessers carved another title added to Far Eastern University’s (FEU) deck.
FEU Chess Team battled it all-out to rule the National Age-Group Chess Championships (NAGCC) last May 15 to 19 at NCCC Mall, Davao City and National Junior Chess Championships (NJCC) last May 20 to 24 at Gaisano Grand Citimall, Davao City.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) organized the events in which woodpushers from all over the country like FEU, Rizal Technological University (RTU), University of Mindanao, University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle University (DLSU), University of San Jose Recoletos of Cebu went to combat for the gold.
A native of Antequera, Bohol, FEU’s Jedara Docena hit silver in NJCC Women’s division with 6.5 points as champion Aices Salvador of DLSU edged by a hairline with 7.5 points.
Jan Jodilyn Fronda of Colegio de San Juan de Letran huddled for third rank with six points.
DLSU-Greenhills standout Paulo Bersamina chalked up UST bet Joey Albert Florendo with seven markers due to better tiebreak points to top the NJCC Men’s division as FEU’s Mcdominique Lagula entered the top ten landing on the ninth spot with 6.5 points.

Non-stop domination
Third year BSED Mathematics student Docena fashioned out her rivals to secure gold in the Girls’ 20-and-under division in NAGCC with seven points.
“Practice saka confidence dahil sa suporta ng FEU, ni coach at ng pamilya ko (It’s because of practice, confidence and also the support given by FEU, my coach and my family),” Docena shared when asked about her motivation to top the match.
Quezon City mainstay Christy Lamiel Bernales collected 5.5 points for the second spot as Charmaine Suede fell on third with 4.5 points. Meanwhile, in the Boys’ 20-and-under division, Tam Alfredo Rapanot got a three-way tie with top seeded RTU’s Richelieu Salcedo and DLSU’s Mari Joseph Turqueza finishing with seven points.
But due to higher tiebreak points, Salcedo snatched the top spot as FEU’s Rapanot settled for second best, while DLSU’s Turqueza trampled to third.
FEU’s Lagula firmly gripped bronze in Boys’ 16-and-Under division tracing with 6.5 markers.
Boys’ 16-and-under gold medalist Jan Nigel Galan of DLSU-Greenhills outclassed other chessers with his 7 points.
“The result of the National Age Group reflected the quality of FEU chess players that we have, as we [FEU] dominated almost every division,” two-time Olympian Grandmaster and FEU chess team mentor Jayson Gonzales said.
FEU Chessers Docena, Lagula, Medina, a Rapanot will represent the Philippines in the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus Age-Group Chess Championships in Subic, Olongapo City on June 4 to 13.

The summer heat did not matter as the Far Eastern University (FEU) Cagebelles took the court of dribbles and hoops by storm.
Swagging horns resounded not in one, not in two—but in three basketball leagues namely Metro Basketball Tournament–Philippine Women’s Basketball League (MBT-PWBL), Ateneo Basketball School (ABS) Second Season and 16th Fr. Martin Cup (FMC).

Summer hurricane
The Tamaraws avenged against the Adamson Blue Jeans after a payback match in the semis last June 13 in Metro Gym, Mandaluyong City in a lopsided 93-65. FEU reserved the finals berth on June 20 for the MBT-PWBL Championship.
Coach Michael Oliver promised to lay their big hearts for the title but stressed that they must come more prepared than their opponent.
Banging the elimination round of the league, Tams drowned Philippine Marine Institute (PMI) last April 18 as AMA Computer University (AMACU) crashed last April 25. The sweep carried on against University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons last May 9 in a 45-42 conclusion.
FEU extinguished De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers after a 57-45 match up last May 15. FEU unleashed the real beast in a fang-to-fang batlle against National University (NU) Bulldogs in a 60-51 war last May 23.
Conversely, Tams’ unblemished streak tainted last May 30 as they clashed with Adamson University (AdU) Blue Jeans in an epic double over-time bout, 79-82, ending the elims with 5-1 slate.
Despite the first loss, Oliver remained contented with his gals’ performance especially they reached double over-time without key players like Jocy Positos and Raiza Palmera on the game after immersing in an earlier match against the same team.
On the other hand, the sun shined for FEU earlier that day after bringing home the bacon in the five-day event of ABS last May 26-30 in Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU).
Another league paved way for Lady Tams sweeping another high-performance standing of 6-2 win-loss card at the FMC.
FEU tangled the Bulldogs in 46-36 match last May 18 and shot down De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers last May 23, 48-43 at St. Placid Gym in San Beda College. However, DLSU wiped-out FEU on the semis and snatched the championship slot with AdU.
With the neck-to-neck rivalry against the Lady Falcons boiling up, Oliver thrusts both mind and hearts of the girls as their edge.
“Magaling talaga ang Adamson (Adamson is really good), but we find ways from their weaknesses,” he said.
The coach added that every victory boosts the team’s morale especially their success on ABS which proves that they can surpass the UAAP defending Champions.
Despite Lady Tamaraws’ peak performance, Oliver stressed that the team is still in the learning process.
“Wala ‘yan sa laki ng lamang, ang importante ay kung nago-grow silang maglaro (It’s not about on score deficit. What matters is they grow in every game),” he said.
Fighting with top collegiate basketball teams, Lady Tams maximizes these opportunities to serve as early educator for the upcoming UAAP Season 73 crown redemption to be hailed as queens of dribbles and hoops once more.

With reports from June Ace G. Esteban

The summer heat did not matter as the Far Eastern University (FEU) Cagebelles took the court of dribbles and hoops by storm.
Swagging horns resounded not in one, not in two—but in three basketball leagues namely Metro Basketball Tournament–Philippine Women’s Basketball League (MBT-PWBL), Ateneo Basketball School (ABS) Second Season and 16th Fr. Martin Cup (FMC).

Summer hurricane
The Tamaraws avenged against the Adamson Blue Jeans after a payback match in the semis last June 13 in Metro Gym, Mandaluyong City in a lopsided 93-65. FEU reserved the finals berth on June 20 for the MBT-PWBL Championship.
Coach Michael Oliver promised to lay their big hearts for the title but stressed that they must come more prepared than their opponent.
Banging the elimination round of the league, Tams drowned Philippine Marine Institute (PMI) last April 18 as AMA Computer University (AMACU) crashed last April 25. The sweep carried on against University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons last May 9 in a 45-42 conclusion.
FEU extinguished De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers after a 57-45 match up last May 15. FEU unleashed the real beast in a fang-to-fang batlle against National University (NU) Bulldogs in a 60-51 war last May 23.
Conversely, Tams’ unblemished streak tainted last May 30 as they clashed with Adamson University (AdU) Blue Jeans in an epic double over-time bout, 79-82, ending the elims with 5-1 slate.
Despite the first loss, Oliver remained contented with his gals’ performance especially they reached double over-time without key players like Jocy Positos and Raiza Palmera on the game after immersing in an earlier match against the same team.
On the other hand, the sun shined for FEU earlier that day after bringing home the bacon in the five-day event of ABS last May 26-30 in Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU).
Another league paved way for Lady Tams sweeping another high-performance standing of 6-2 win-loss card at the FMC.
FEU tangled the Bulldogs in 46-36 match last May 18 and shot down De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers last May 23, 48-43 at St. Placid Gym in San Beda College. However, DLSU wiped-out FEU on the semis and snatched the championship slot with AdU.
With the neck-to-neck rivalry against the Lady Falcons boiling up, Oliver thrusts both mind and hearts of the girls as their edge.
“Magaling talaga ang Adamson (Adamson is really good), but we find ways from their weaknesses,” he said.
The coach added that every victory boosts the team’s morale especially their success on ABS which proves that they can surpass the UAAP defending Champions.
Despite Lady Tamaraws’ peak performance, Oliver stressed that the team is still in the learning process.
“Wala ‘yan sa laki ng lamang, ang importante ay kung nago-grow silang maglaro (It’s not about on score deficit. What matters is they grow in every game),” he said.
Fighting with top collegiate basketball teams, Lady Tams maximizes these opportunities to serve as early educator for the upcoming UAAP Season 73 crown redemption to be hailed as queens of dribbles and hoops once more.

With reports from June Ace G. Esteban

Green and gold tracksters enjoyed the ride of supremacy and reserved the top ranks in University Athletic of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72 Track and Field battle last February 4 to 7 at the Rizal Memorial Oval.
Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tracksters wielded the top spot with a handful of 304 points flourishing seven gold medals, 12 silvers and eight bronzes. Second best University of Santo Tomas (UST) devoted on earning 253 points while third placer University of the East (UE) banged the event with 106 points.
Meanwhile, FEU Men Tracksters’ flight to arrive at top rank ended on landing at second place, harvesting 189 points with eight golds, three silvers and five bronzes.
UE topped the match with 202 points as third placer Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) dedicated on reaping 152 points in the Men’s division.
Tam Romnick Herida head banged for rejoice as he added the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award to FEU’s rack of medals. UST’s Serenata Saluan solely preyed both MVP and Rookie of the Year (ROY) dubs while UE’s Richard Salano potted ROY title.

Clear domination
Lady Tamaraws Josie Malacad and Gellie Ann Solis gained silver and bronze tiaras each in the 800m run as ROY and MVP Saluan exhibited high acceleration to top the match with a time of 2:10.08.
Malacad also mauled silver finishing 4:59.30 while compatriot Mary Ann Dela Cruz bragged bronze with 4:59.31 in 1500m run. Saluan’s getaway trip topped the battle clocking 4:43.36.
FEU’s Hanelyn Loquinto took charge in snatching silver in 100m dash with 12.46 seconds, two seconds shy to first place Myra Mendoza of ADMU with 12.44 seconds.
FEU Team Captain Florida Gonzales spearheaded the Morayta-based tracksters after dominating 3000m and 5000m walk.
“Tuwang-tuwa kami kasi nakaabot kami ng six-peat sa awa ng Diyos, at alam ko na makakaabot kami kasi malaki ang mga lamang namin sa kanila [UST] (We are glad to finally reach six-peat. I knew that we can make it because we had multiple advantages against UST),” Gonzales said while pointing out a big advantage to their closest competitor, UST.
Jenefer Penepona hurled fearless budge after throwing 37.64m in javelin throw as fellow Lady Tam Kenneth Ferrera ranked second with 35.97m.
FEU’s Mary Jane Miano starred in shot put with green and gold intensity and donated bronze in hammer throw discharging fast burst.
Coach Roselyn Hamero was impressed with her wards’ performance especially that they just need one more season to break UE’s record in UAAP history.
“Dumating kami sa pang-apat na taon na nag-down kami, [kaya ngayon] very happy ako kasi six-peat na, isa nalang (We came to a point that we were nearly losing hope but I am very happy because we just need only one more championship),” she stated.

Still the best
MVP Herida led the Morayta-based tracksters in reaching the ticker tapes first in the 100m, 200m and 400m dash.
Herida further blasted the Tams’ engine up a notch as he skyrocketed with Charlie Ducusin, Jhonrey Bardas and Jesson Cid for the gold in the 4×400m relay with 3:21.84.
Cid waxed hot to back up the FEU rampage after topping 110m hurdles-decathlon in 15.3 seconds and zooming in the finish line by a dust against UST’s Mark David Madera and ADMU’s Dean Michael Roxas, both of which garnered 15.8 ticks.
Cid also slingshot himself for another gold in the long jump with 6.58m but crashed to second and third in the 110m hurdles and high jump events with 15.20 seconds and 1.80m.
“Ang sa’min ni Cid, nag-prepare talaga kaming dalawa para sa UAAP pero hindi nabigyan ng swerte. Pero kailangan tanggapin at pairalin ang sportsmanship (We prepared hard for this but maybe we were just out of luck),” Herida said.
Michael Mendoza of ADMU ranked first with 15.04 seconds while Blue Eagle Kuku Itunu and Green Archer Andrew Wilson ascended to first and second, brandishing 1.93m and 1.90m, respectively.
But Charlie Ducusin of FEU rallied for another diadem after claiming the throne in 400m hurdles with 54.49 seconds as fellow Tamaraw Cid barred the silver against De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Jose Unso, 54.85 ticks against 55.99.
“No [I am not disappointed]. I have to accept things as they are. I would believe na hindi sa’min ‘to. Kasi may nagkakasakit sa mismong laro at may ilang players na may expectations kami na hindi nila naabot (I am not disappointed with the result of our game this season. I would believe that this season is not ours because there were unexpected problems that came during the tournament),” Coach Rosito Andaya stated.
On the other hand, Athletic Director Mark Molina expressed appreciation towards FEU tracksters’ standings.
“Both Men, Women [tracksters] did a good job for the last four days, it’s still the best performance among the schools in the UAAP,” he said.

Some call it beginner’s luck, but the green and gold spikers see it as collective pay-off.
New to the gust and rush of championship matches, the maturing Far Eastern University (FEU) Men’s Volleyball team laid down the tri-colored ball after a net-wrapping loss in Game Two against the stubborn University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72.
“Para sa’min sila pa rin ang champions. Achievement na rin ng mga bata kasi lahat sila ngayon pa lang lumaban na sa championship (They are still our champions. Although they are rookies, they fought until the end),” Coach George Pascua gratefully said, last February 27 at the FilOil Flying V-Arena.
Combining for 23 points, the explosive duo of Joshua Alcarde and Nestor Molate kept the thrusts steadfast but was incapacitated due to UST’s towering solid net defense in a 25-21, 25-17 and 25-21 tournament conclusion.
The España-based spikers held on to John Paul Torres and Harby Ilano’s fang-sharp wallops firing 10 apiece and paw-like receptions from Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Henry Pecaña clawed out their 17th title off a three peat.
Early in the third set, the Morayta-based spikers woke with a 5-8 cock-grunting lead but Pecaña, tallying seven hits and two blocks throughout the game, rallied the Tigers behind the power-and-speed combo of Torres and Ilano to carve a 24-18 climax.
Storming back with ball-depleting kills from Alcarde and swarming floor defense of the team, the green and gold squad mounted a 3-0 set run at championship point, 24-21. However, a deceitful ball tap by Ilano sent the ball rolling on the hard-court, ending the haggle of the Tamaraws in extending the battle.
The second and final game turned to be Game One’s déjà vu when a similar 24-21 play ended the match due to a failed over-ball by Labrador last February 24. FEU lost via a 25-20, 25-20 and 25-22 in Game One against the huddling Tigers.

Silver lining
Coming from sixth place last season, Tams took a big leap to reach the finals which the underdogs are very thankful of.
“Masarap [sa pakiramdam] na nakapasok kami ng championship. Proud kami sa sarili namin dahil nakaabot kami sa finals kahit ganito ang nangyari (Regardless of how it ended, we are still proud of ourselves for getting in the championship),” Team Captain Rodolfo Labrador said.
He also mentioned that they will persistently train and not lose self-esteem so as to achieve their main goal next season’s tournament-to be champions.
Despite not bringing individual awards in the tourney, Pascua praised the players’ tenacity, both in games and trainings, and was hands-down proud of his wards’ attitude as they proved teamwork is better than individuality.
“’Yung willingness nu’ng mga bata, ‘yung dedication nila sa training, talagang binigay nila ‘yung buong puso’t isip nila sa ginagawa nila (They gave everything wholeheartedly, from willingness and dedication in trainings and games),” the coach ended with enthusiasm.

Although green and gold banners failed to gash for gold medals, Tamaraw Fencers packed up bronze and silver laurels in the championship and still came home as fine swordsmen and swordswomen.
Far Eastern University (FEU) Fencers stabbed 10 medals out of 12 events in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72 Fencing Championship last February 5 to 7 at the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagle Gym.
In the overall results, FEU Women’s Fencing Team perched on third place after University of the East (UE)who prevailed as champions while ADMU settled for second place.
On the other hand, the Men’s team backfired in reaching a spot in top three of their division. UE also reigned as champions in the Men’s Division followed by University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines who won second and third place respectively.

Trophy range
Lady Tams Erika Evangelista, Alleli Cruz, Jessica Rica Reyes, and Janine Tindogan’s synchronized sword hurls earned silver medals in the Women’s Sabre Team event.
Also managing to pocket silver honors are Lady Tamaraw stabbers Marie Criz Gatpandan, Mary Rotche Callelero, Eunice Japone and Ane Jerilou Gorayeb in the Women’s Foil Team Event; while Lady Tams’ Epee team folded out in their category’s team event.
“Sa Women’s epee, hindi ko alam [bakit natalo]. Baka kinabahan kaya hindi nagka-place (I don’t know what happened in the Women’s Epee. Maybe they got nervous so they didn’t land a place),” Coach Wilfredo Vizcayno said.
On the Men’s division, John Edward Quirit, Julius Quirit, Lino Manubag, Jr. and Frederick Metcha led mean steel foil swords to bag a silver medal.
More sets of Tamaraw horns hack foe guards to snatch silver in the Men’s Epee team event consisting of Metcha, Greg Alan Lupena, John Prince Villamayor, and Julius Quwirit. Tams Manubag, Louise Dior Teves, John Edward Quirit, and Algin Daryl Palomo roosted on bronze in the Men’s Sabre team event.
On individual events, Evangelista, Tindogan, and Callelero picked up bronze titles for sabre, epee and foil categories in the Women’s division respectively.
Although the men fencers failed to clutch a medal for epee category’s individual event, Manubag received bronze in the sabre and John Edward Quirit also got bronze in the foil hostilities.

Open nerves
Vizcayno said that he was disappointed to see the result for Men’s epee team event but he was still happy because the Men’s foil team maintained their silver status although they did not reach gold.
Pressure and cracking nerves might have been the cause for most of the event outcomes, according to Vizcayno.
“’Tong mga ito pumupwesto sa national rankings. Merong mga kapapasok pa lang ng national pool, pero ewan ko ba kung bakit pagdating ng UAAP parang kinakabahan at hindi maka-execute (They make it to national rankings and enter national pools but when it comes to UAAP, they get nervous and can’t execute properly),” Vizcayno said.
On the other hand, Vizcayno stressed that they took this season’s result as a challenge for the next season. The team will continue on training and working on reaping confidence to yield into composure for more battles to come.

Far Eastern University (FEU) Cebuana Lhuillier’s dribblers secured their first bronze as Adamson University (AdU) Northern Samar crushed their finals hopes in Philippine Women’s Basketball League (PWBL) Burlington Biofresh Cup,58-72, last March 3 at Araneta Coliseum.
From their championship rivalry in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72 and 14th Philippine University Games, the teams clashed again in this year’s PWBL.
Tamaraws kept steady in the paint with drop-down defensive support but was blown away in midair by the soaring Falcons’ wrecking offense.
Stellar performers Raiza Palmera and Elise Yazon of FEU combined for 22 points, yet AdU handed them a stinging loss after Anna Buendia and Katherine Sandel joined efforts to earn 26 points.
After a 32-34 run in the first half, Allana Lim of FEU withdrew nine out of 10 sizzling hot shots down the stretch from the foul line.
Lim poured seven of her 25 points while Palmera kept the fire burning for the green and gold shirts as she donated nine points in the third quarter.
On the first five minutes of the final canto, Lady Tamaraws marked heavy lead, 54-51, to cap off AdU. But the Lady Falcons, starred by Buendia, rushed to bridge a wide gap ending the game at 58-72.

Rebound
Coping for revenge with the AdU last UAAP Season 72, Lady Tams tried to put up a spirited fight with man-to-man and drop-down defense until the last frame of the game. However, Lady Falcons took an advantage with their veteran roster.
Before settling for third, FEU cut off Pascual-Lagundi last March 2, 64-47, reserving green and gold the Final Four entry.
Despite falling on third spot, Lady Tams consider the league as another learning experience. “Sobrang saya kasi madaming sumuporta sa FEU, saka mas nadagdagan ‘yung leadership skills ko (The experience was overwhelming and it improved my leadership skills),” star player Palmera shared.
Meanwhile, Asssistant Coach Allan de Leon expressed his console to his wards in entering the Final Four box.
“Malaking tulong ang PWBL para maging handa sila sa UAAP Season 73 at marami talaga silang na-gain na experience (PWBL was a big help in preparing for UAAP Season 73 with the experience they gained),” he stated.
Republic of the Philippines I-Remit landed on fourth place while Lyceum of the Philippines University scratched the second honors. AdU huddled at the finish line embracing the first spot.