Far Eastern University looks to make a late push and return to the Final Four of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament. The Tamaraws, who finished at the last place in the standings in the previous season after absorbing a 1-13 record, will barely take a rest during the Holy Week break as they hope to sweep their four remaining games in the eliminations. Standing at an even record of 5-5 at fifth spot, FEU is now on the chase for the fourth spot, which the reigning champion National University currently occupies with a 6-3 slate. “Masarap ‘yong pakiramdam. Kulang pa. Pero I think para ma-sustain namin ‘yong goal namin kailangan namin mag-double time ngayong break. So, break namin two days lang then back to reality. Para lang makakuha sila ng inspiration sa family kailangan din nila ‘yon,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak. “Remaining games namin medyo [challenging], Ateneo and Adamson. Medyo mabibigat ‘yon. Doon kami muna sa mindset namin na isa-isa. Coming from big win ngayon sustain kami sana,” she added.
*FEU head coach Tina Salak hopes to steer the Lady Tamaraws back to the Final Four after four years. (UAAP Media)*


The rookie UAAP coach is holding on to the hope that the Lady Tamaraws will extend their 22nd Final Four appearance this season, the most out of any teams in the league’s history. The last time FEU made it to the playoffs dates back to Season 81 in 2019. Standing in its way though are teams that include defending champion NU when they return from the Holy Week break on April 16. “NU muna. Isa-isa. Hindi naman masamang mangarap ng gising kung pwede namin matalo ‘yong remaining games namin doon talaga sureball na Final Four. Sa team namin hope ‘yong meron kami. Pinanghahawakan namin ‘yong hope na ‘yon,” she said. Interestingly, the Lady Tamaraws made a breakthrough in their four-set win over the winless University of the East Lady Warriors after posting a season-high 23 blocks, something that they hope to carry just in time against the formidable Lady Bulldogs side.