FEU Lady Tamaraws’ Jazlyn Ellarina during a game against UST Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jazlyn Ellarina is grateful to find a new home at Far Eastern University where she is thriving in a new position in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
From being part of the stacked National University as an opposite spiker two years ago, Ellarina got her break as a middle blocker and she made most of her playing time to help FEU beat the University of Santo Tomas, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
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SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament first round
“My journey wasn’t easy. I keep saying that the trust this team gave me made my transition easier—from being an opposite spiker at NU to a middle blocker,” said Ellarina, who scored six points after coming in for the last two sets to close out the game.
“They trusted me with a difficult position, and that was one of the biggest factors that made my journey a good one,” she added.
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Ellarina was seldom used during her first year with NU in Season 85 wth Alyssa Solomon as the the main opposite spiker.
But the towering middle blocker gained the confidence of the Lady Tamaraws, proving she’s ready when her number gets called.
READ: UAAP: FEU turns back UST for opening win in women’s volleyball
“Trust was a huge factor—the support system I got from my coaches and teammates was solid. Even though I was only subbed in during the third set, their trust in me was complete,” said Ellarina.
“So I thought, why should I doubt myself when the whole team believes in me? I just surrendered everything, gave my best, and performed well with the help of everyone,” she added.
Ellarina is also inspired to work harder with the balanced attack of her team orchestrated by setter Tin Ubaldo.
“It really helps boost my self-confidence because when I see my senior teammates scoring and contributing, it makes me more eager and motivated to help and contribute as well,” she said.
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FEU eyes its second win against its fellow opening day winner, University of the Philippines, on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
