MANILA – Far Eastern University (FEU) coach George Pascua knew that his Lady Tamaraws had all the skills necessary to defeat Ateneo de Manila University in their UAAP Season 80 Final 4 showdown.

However, he also knew that in order to assure themselves of a win against the always-dangerous Lady Eagles, he needed to get production from players not named Bernadeth Pons.

"Ateneo against Pons? Hindi dapat," Pascua would say on Saturday, after the Lady Tamaraws completed a four-set conquest of the Lady Eagles that propelled them to the Finals of the women's volleyball tournament for the first time since Season 71.

Pons has been FEU's best player in Season 80, and indeed, the graduating open spiker has been one of the top performers in the league as a whole. The veteran has made a habit of putting up "triple-doubles" – double digit production in points, receptions, and digs – for the Lady Tamaraws in a display of versatility and tirelessness.

For Pascua, however, he would much rather see Pons' teammates step up and contribute so as to make life easier for their captain.

"Dapat, as a team," the coach stressed.

Enter fourth-year spiker Toni Rose Basas. The mild-mannered player has been solid for FEU in Season 80, averaging 11.7 points per game while doing her share on defense. Against Ateneo in the Final 4, however, they would need so much more from her – and Pascua made sure to let the player know it.

"Sabi ko, 'Chin, kailangan kita mag-step up para kahit papaano, maba-balanse ang opensa natin, hindi lang lagi kay Pons.' Kasi binabantayan na si Pons. Siya lahat – receive, palo," noted Pascua.

"Kung mauubos siya, tapos 'di nag-step up si Chin, medyo mahirap," he added.

It's safe to say that Basas received the message. She played one of her best games of the season against Ateneo, scoring 17 points on 12 kills, three aces, and two kill blocks. Pons still got her triple-double – 17 points, 16 digs, and 19 receptions – but it was Basas who kept the Lady Eagles guessing all game long.

FEU would come away with a 25-20, 25-21, 14-25, 25-19 triumph, and Basas earned Player of the Game honors.

Basas downplayed her explosive output, saying that she was simply following the instructions of her coaches.

"Sabi lang ni coach na 'wag naming isipin na may twice to beat kami, isipin lang namin na do or die, kaya ganoon din ang nilaro namin," said Basas.

The Lady Tamaraws would need even more superb performances from Basas in the Finals, where they will play either defending champion De La Salle University or fourth-seeded National University.

"Kailangan paghirapan namin sa training para magawa namin ng maayos sa game," said Basas.

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