The Lady Tamaraws, sixth last season, scored a 67-65 squeaker over the De La Salle’s Lady Archers, who were third last year, to send a message they are in strong contention at challenging the defending champion Lady Falcons of Adamson.
Season 66 runnerup University of the Philippines blasted away at seventh-ranked University of the East, 71-48, behind the 14 points of Jaclyn Marie Cruz and No. 4 Ateneo, riding Cassandra Noel Tioseco’s 16 markers, ripped No. 5 University of Santo Tomas, 75-59, in the other opening-day matches.
The Lady Falcons, who swept the Lady Maroons in the race-to-two finals last year, drew a bye and will open their Season 67 campaign against the lightweight UE Amazons at 11 a.m. on Sunday also at the Adamson gym.
Other matches on Sunday pit UP against UST at 8 a.m. and Ateneo against De La Salle at 9:30 a.m.
Marsha Faustino, one of three senior Lady Tamaraws, had 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks for FEU. The other Lady Tamaraw playing out her final year with the team, Aileen Lebornio, contributed 11 markers.
The Lady Archers played a balanced game with four finishing in double figures — Khristine Marie Prado with 17, Kristine Alon-Alon with 14 and Sithe Amihan Dimaporo and Jan Michelle Laureola with 13 apiece.