Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Baby Tamaraws Enter Win Column to Reshape Mid-Table Standings
Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) arrested an unexpected early slump in the UAAP Season 89 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament, recording a clinical 25-14, 25-15, 25-19 victory over the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) on Friday at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The straight-set result provided vital stabilization for FEU-D, who entered the fixture uncharacteristically winless after dropping their opening two fixtures. By securing their first victory in 67 minutes of play, the Baby Lady Tamaraws elevated their record to 1-2, creating a three-way tie for fifth through seventh place in the tournament table. For UPIS, the loss marked their second consecutive setback following an opening-day win over University of the East, bringing the Junior Fighting Maroons to an identical 1-2 mark.
Frontcourt Efficiency and Defensive Control Dictate the Flow
FEU-D established structural control early, combining effective middle defense with disciplined floor distribution. Standout Nigerian middle blocker MJ Udeagbala anchored the Baby Tamaraws with a match-high 14 points, converting 10 attack points alongside four blocks. Supporting the offensive spread, Diosa Perez contributed nine points while Joeyana Bongo registered eight.
Setter Portia Asistio orchestrated the offensive rhythm with nine excellent sets, while libero Querstine Paragas delivered a dependable passing foundation in the backcourt, registering 14 excellent digs and converting nine excellent receptions on 11 total attempts.
The third frame highlighted FEU-D's attacking runs, as a three-point sequence punctuated by consecutive kills from Bongo opened up a commanding 16-6 cushion. Although UPIS mounted late resistance—fending off four consecutive match points through two FEU-D errors and a pair of conversions from Anya Callo—Udeagbala extinguished the rally on the fifth attempt to seal the sweep. Niña Abad led UPIS in scoring with 10 points on eight attacks and two service aces.
“Kailangan lang namin siguro mag-focus dun sa mga ginagawa namin kasi masyadong marami kaming ine-error. Siguro yun yung kailangan naming mas i-improve pa,” said FEU-D head coach Joanne Bunag. “Maganda naman ‘yung ginalaw ngayon ng mga bata pero sana, kung ano man ‘yung kulang pa namin, sana ma-improve pa. Maraming games pa, malayo pa, mahaba pa ang season.”
Historical Baseline and Final Four Outlook
For a program that secured a runner-up finish last season, FEU-D's 0-2 start placed immediate pressure on their qualification trajectory. Under the tournament format, securing an early mid-table position is essential to maintaining striking distance of the postseason qualification bracket.
“Syempre ang una munang goal namin pumasok muna kami dun sa Final Four. Parang last season, ganun din naman ginawa namin, tinrabaho lang namin,” Bunag added. “Ang goal muna natin, pumasok sa top four. Ngayon, after ng top four, tsaka na namin tatrabahuhin makuha ‘yung pinaka-goal namin.”
With both FEU-D and UPIS now level at 1-2, the middle tier of the UAAP Season 89 table remains tightly contested. FEU-D's ability to minimize unforced errors will serve as the primary indicator of whether they can translate this sweep into sustained upward momentum through the remainder of the first round.
