MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University coach Tina Salak was at a loss for words after the Lady Tamaraws pulled off a huge win over La Salle in their final game of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament elimination round.

Before  Saturday’s game at Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Lady Tamaraws had not beaten the Lady Spikers since 2019.

That all changed in stunning fashion when FEU outlasted La Salle in four sets, 25-20, 28-26, 20-25, 25-23, to stop the Lady Spikers from nabbing a sure spot as the second seed.

“Ang sarap ng feeling at the moment… Parang may magic ata ‘tong mga ‘to, e,” said Talak in jest. This moment feels really good. It’s like these kids used magic in this game.)

“The feeling’s overwhelming. Ever since 2019 [we couldn’t win vs. La Salle] so this is a milestone for the program now. The kids’ desire  is different this time around.”

FEU Lady Tamaraws celebrate win over La Salle Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

While the Lady Tamaraws didn’t climb higher in the Final Four standings, they shook up the race for last remaining bonus.

FEU tied La Salle at 9-5 with the win, locked into the No. 4 seed, officially punching their ticket back to the Final Four, where they will face National University.

University of Santo Tomas has a chance to seal its place at No. 2 if it beats rival NU on Sunday. A loss will forge a playoff for No. 2 between La Salle and UST.

Regardless of the implications, Salak was simply proud to see her team relish the moment of their last win in the elimination round.

“In the dugout, I told them to enjoy their last game in this [elimination] round. Whether we’ll celebrate a win or not, they’ll be the one to translate it,” she said.

“There were no heavy feelings because they really needed to enjoy this. I’m definitely proud of these kids.”