USED SPARINGLY AT NU, ELLARINA SHOWS POTENTIAL TO FLOURISH WITH FEU

MANILA, Philippines — Sparingly-used as an opposite spiker for the NU Lady Bulldogs at the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball tourney in 2023, Jaz Ellarina went to the FEU Lady Tamaraws camp with the hope that she could finally showcase her talent.

Ellarina, who now plays as a middle blocker, showed her potential to flourish as she delivered timely hits in FEU's 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20 Season 87 opening win over the UST Golden Tigresses at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Inserted in the third and fourth sets, Ellarina finished with six points including three in the Tams' 4-1 run that gave them a 23-20 lead in the fourth period and eventually the win.

The 6-foot Ellarina said the Lady Tamaraws' trust in her gives her the drive to play well.

"I think their trust is a huge factor - the support system I have in my coaches and teammates. I was only fielded starting in the third set but they trusted me wholeheartedly," said Ellarina.

"I said to myself that why would I doubt myself if the entire team trusts me so much. I just surrendered (my doubts) and gave my best to perform well with the help of each one of us."

Ellarina added that very trust from the Tamaraws is what helped her make a rather smooth transition from NU to FEU and from a wing spiker to a middle blocker.

"My journey has not been easy but their trust, as I will always say, made it a rather smooth transition for me from an opposite spiker at NU to middle here at FEU," she remarked.

"They entrusted me with a difficult role and their trust is what made my journey a beautiful one."

Faida Bakanke poured 16 points; Gerzy Petallo banged 15, Jean Asis drilled 14, and Chen Tagaod added 10 points in the win.

These contributions from her seniors also help Ellarina to gain more confidence, thinking that she can contribute, too.

"It's a huge boost for my self-confidence, my self-esteem because when I see my ates scoring and contributing, it makes me eager that, 'hey, if they're able to do it, why can't I?', so their example gives me confidence and motivation to contribute."

2025-02-16T03:20:45Z