Tigers Vs. Tamarraws

Tigers Vs. Tamarraws

First Round Encounter: FEU def. UST – 25-23, 21-25, 27-25, 25-20
Second Round Encounter: UST def. FEU – 25-21, 25-20, 25-13
Finals Game 1: UST def. FEU – 25-20, 25-22, 25-22

UST takes home game one in a very convincing fashion to my surprise not that I’m not expecting that from them but what I am most surprised off is how FEU played during game one which is to say lackluster, uninspired and absent-minded. Again, I am really impressed with this current UST team: they are composed, smart and really good. Why? Just look at how Karl Dimaculangan sets the ball, it is so amazing to see him create that plays and why not? I really think they have one of the best combination plays I have seen in a collegiate men’s team. Credit also their good defense and solid, solid blocking. Also, what impressed me during their first encounter here in the Finals with FEU is how mentally and emotionally-ready they were coming to the game. You see in sets two and three, FEU is leading for most of the time during those sets and yet, they are able to win them all. Thanks also to key and veteran players like Henry Pecana, JP Torres and Harby Ilano. On the Tamaraws’ side however, their game was “okay”, it just lacked the end game finish probably because this is their first time in around two years that they got into the championship again. What is impressive with them is that no matter how marked their open spikers are, they seem to find a way to score much like Mumay Vivas of their women’s team. However, it is really apparent that the team cannot handle championship pressure and I guess, they are not ready for everything that maybe associated with it. Further, they have to prove why they are one of the best defenders on the floor and in doing that, they need to have excellent floor defense and they need to read the offense of UST if in case it passes through the block which is another point of concern/improvement. The team has little blocking and floor defense alone cannot keep the team afloat. Finally, there is the variation of plays. They are too predictable and the blockers of UST are making easy work of them. In the end though, if the Tigers will continue that dominant performance, this championship series might end here.

By: Frecelynne Abegail Lambino

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