'Next woman up' mentality does wonders for FEU

MANILA, Philippines — To call FEU losing Lycha Ebon to injury a setback is an understatement.

Despite being a rookie, the young Lady Tamaraw quickly established herself as one of the team's go-to scorers. Her absence would have been a mountain to climb for the Morayta-based squad.

But after slugging it out with the UE Lady Warriors in another five-set thriller in the 81st UAAP women's volleyball tourney, FEU proved they aren't just a one-woman show.

"Naging motivation namin yung pagkawala niya. Ayoko naman na lilitaw na matatalo yung team dahil wala siya," FEU head coach George Pascua said.

The veterans came out to play against the Lady Warriors, converting on crucial plays that steered the momentum to the FEU side.

But perhaps one of the brightest spark plugs in the game was Ivana Agudo, who stepped into the starting lineup in place of the injured Ebon.

Agudo took the reins for a time in the deciding fifth set, scoring clutch points that helped the Lady Tamaraws get the gutsy win.

"I think during the whole game I was really inspired by Ivana, the way she stepped up... we really followed her lead," FEU skipper Jerrili Malabanan said.

"Happy po ako kasi nagtulungan po talaga kami. Isa po talaga kaming team nung oras na yun... we were able to help them po para po makapanalo ng game," Agudo said.

With Ateneo next on their schedule, FEU will need to bring out all the stops to continue their winning ways without Ebon at thier side.