Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Lady Baby Tamaraws Play with Heavy Hearts and Renewed Purpose
Volleyball is about passion and energy, but for Far Eastern University-Diliman, UAAP Season 89 has become about something much deeper: keeping the memory of a fallen sister alive on the court. The Lady Baby Tamaraws are dedicating their entire high school girls’ volleyball campaign to late teammate Jamie Ignacio, who passed away on September 15 just weeks before the tournament began.
Ignacio, who transferred to FEU-Diliman from Arellano High School in August, never had the chance to suit up for her official UAAP debut. Despite being with the team for only a brief period, she quickly forged a deep bond with the squad through her bright, joyful approach to the game.
“First of all po, it’s been really heavy for us, and we’re still slowly getting back up on our feet,” said FEU-Diliman team captain Cathlyn Umal. “We want to give our best for this season to dedicate to Jamie po because she also wanted to play, and we’re going to play for her. But right now, we’re still slowly building up ourselves as we get past what happened last time.”
Remembering Ignacio’s Joy and Energy on the Floor
The Lady Baby Tamaraws faced a tough opening test on Sunday, falling to University of Santo Tomas in straight sets, 25-21, 25-21, 25-20. Yet, for Umal and her teammates, the bigger mission is finding their footing and honoring the joy Ignacio brought to practice every single day!
Umal reflected fondly on Ignacio’s spontaneous personality, noting how effortlessly she could bring laughter to the room and how freely she played when stepping between the lines.
“She brings absolute laughter po, like ‘yung mga pagka-random niya or unhinged sa court na bigla siyang magsasalita sa gilid or magtatanong ng something unhinged,” Umal shared. “Part po siguro ng ma-ca-carry on namin siguro ‘yung the way po siya maglaro sa court na she’s just enjoying herself.”
Support and the Drive for Season 89
Navigating sudden heartbreak is never easy for young athletes, but the team received essential counseling and backing from both the university and player families to help process the tragedy.
Now, FEU-Diliman is determined to turn their grief into fighting spirit. While the opening defeat against UST showed the squad is still shaking off rust from missed training sessions, Umal made it clear that their ultimate goal remains delivering a championship run for Ignacio and the family she left behind.
“Super po, super. Parang words can’t describe it enough, but maybe our actions can,” Umal said. “We will get back on our feet and absolutely do it with our actions na ipanalo po and i-dedicate kay Jamie for this season and for her family din po kasi they also wanted to see her play.”
