Lady Tams capture Pacific Online Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University made short work of College of Saint Benilde to hammer out an emphatic 60-28 win and cop the first Pacific Online Cup ladies basketball tournament Friday at the Xavier School Gym in San Juan.

Raiza Palmera led the way for the Lady Tamaraws with 15 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal en route in clinching the Most Valuable Player award.

“I thank Pacific Online Cup for this Mighty League, which is a big contribution to women’s basketball. The tournament has given us a big opportunity to hone our skills – the victory is for all of my teammates,” said Palmera, a business management graduate.

FEU’s victory marks the first for coach Allan Albano, who took over from Mike Oliver, who rejoined with Tamaraws mentor Bert Flores the seniors basketball team coaching staff.

Aside from Palmera, a former national youth standout, Angelina Gabriel, Camille Sambile, Vangie Soriano and Mariloved Socorro Borja delivered for the Lady Tamaraws.

“We had the breaks and our tough defense limiting the output of the other team’s best players made the win easier,” said Albino. That’s why we took the chance to work double time and our players delivered.”

FEU last won the UAAP title in 2008, and finished second last season.

The Lady Blazers, on the other hand, ruled the Fr. Martin Cup women’s division and took the runner-up honors in the 2010 WNCAA season.

Tournament commissioner is Vic Bartolome assisted by Sam Uy in this event supported by Pacific Online Lotto, Gerry’s Grill and Mighty Sports Association.

University of the Philippines, National University A and B, La Salle and AMA Computer University also competed in the tournament.