The FEU Lady Tamaraws recently saw their UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 88 campaign come to a close, but for team captain Gerzel Petallo and middle blocker Jaz Ellarina, the next step remains uncertain.
Following FEU’s four-set loss to the UST Golden Tigresses in the playoff for the last Final Four spot, both veterans admitted they have yet to decide whether to turn professional or return for one final collegiate run.
“Wala pa akong mabibigay na sagot now, but ‘yung magiging new lang next season ay mga papasok na iba. ‘Yon lang muna ‘yung masasagot ko,” Petallo said.
“Parang ngayon, wala pa sa isip namin ‘yon. Hindi pa namin siya masyadong iniisip ngayon. More on sa realizations and reflections sa nangyari this past season. Wala pa masyadong thoughts,” Ellarina added.
Petallo Looks Back with Pride After Tough Season
Petallo, who has been FEU’s primary offensive option over the past seasons, was limited in the second round due to a minor shoulder injury. Still, she took pride in how the Lady Tamaraws stayed competitive, with several teammates stepping up in her absence.
Without Petallo, the Lady Tamaraws remained in contention for a Final Four berth until their latest defeat at the hands of the Golden Tigresses.
“Siyempre, very happy and grateful sa mga teammates ko, lalo na sa mga nag-step up talaga. Lalo na si Lovely. Sophomore pa lang siya, pero kita kung gaano siya katapang, and gaano siya nag-step up sa place ko,” said Petallo.
Ellarina Finds Herself in FEU
Ellarina, meanwhile, reflected on her journey with the Lady Tamaraws after transferring from the NU Lady Bulldogs, emphasising how the programme helped her rediscover her form.
“All the time, sinasabi ko na super grateful ako sa opportunity na binigay nila sa akin. Ang una ko lang namang sinabi sa kanila noong lumipat ako sa kanila ay gusto ko lang ng peace of mind. Hindi ko na kailangan ng mataas na allowance or hindi ko na kailangan anything na extravagant para lang makapaglaro,” Ellarina shared.
“‘Yon lang sinabi ko na peace of mind and playing time, tapos the rest, to be followed. Wala na akong masyadong care sa kung ano ang mabibigay nila. Super happy ako kasi grabe ‘yung opportunity na binigay nila. Parang binuksan nila ako ng bagong perspective in life. Iniba nila ‘yung position ko, kaya parang may light sa buhay ko na puwede pala ako dito at hindi pa lang diyan.”
With one year of eligibility still available, both players now face a key decision—whether to take the next step to the professional ranks or return to lead FEU for one final UAAP run.
