For some, it is the character that stands out the most and sets them apart from the rest.

With head coach Tina Salak giving her full trust, Far Eastern University showed its maturity after rallying in the third set to deny Ateneo’s final attack, 25-17, 25-17, 26-24, and secure its first win streak in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, March 4.

The Lady Tamaraws crawled back from a 17-22 deficit as skipper Tin Ubaldo, Lovely Lopez, and Jaz Ellarina spearheaded their fightback – a 9-2 blast – that ultimately wrapped a 42-minute clash in the third and turned down the Blue Eagles’ entry in the win column.

Salak, a former setter for both the professional and national teams, was pleased to see her wards’ growth, especially the maturity and character they displayed in overcoming adversity.

“May mga times na nakikita natin ‘yong mga players natin pag behind ng five points or three points, ako normal na sakin na nakikita ko ‘yon sa kanila. But, kung papaano sila mag-respond, do’n ako nagiging happy,” said Salak.

“Meaning, nagi-improve na sila from where we were before, pag lamang na lima or tatlo ayaw nang lumaban. But, still thankful ako na nao-overcome na… ‘yong character nate-test din sa mga ganito bagay,” she added.

Their gallant effort, which Salak hoped her squad would consistently carry, in the third canto resulted in FEU’s end of win-loss run as it now essayed its first back-to-back wins this year to improve to 3-2 at fourth place.

“Pero syempre, umaasa ako kasi nagawa na naman before, umaasa ako na maging consistent kami sa ganung part ng game,” Salak continued.

“Magandang factor din na nagkakaroon na sila ng leadership… this time alam na rin pa’no i-handle ‘yong sarili nila and nagkakaroon na rin ng mas malaking responsibility… and ‘yong accountability,” she added.

Ubaldo, who starred with 14 excellent sets, nine excellent digs, and four points, also believes they have what it takes to be among the contenders – it’s just a matter of maintaining the right mindset toward their goals.

“Ando’n na po [yong consistency and grit], pero syempre hindi po kami magi-stop sa dulo lang, dapat laging may kasunod,” said Ubaldo.

“Follow through kumbaga, parang, dapat gutom parin kami sa mga bagay na ‘di pa namin nakukuha, like ‘yong goal namin this first round which is makakuha as much as wins as possible,” she added.

The Morayta-based crew goes for its third straight win when it faces University of the Philippines (3-1) Sunday, March 8, at the same venue.