MANILA, Philippines – Bernadeth Pons has played out her eligibility. Chin-Chin Basas is still recovering from an ear infection.

Yet the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws continue to march along in their build-up to the next UAAP season, even without their top stars.

Stepping up for FEU in their campaign in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference is middle blocker Celine Domingo, who has led the Lady Tamaraws in scoring in their first two games of the tournament.

She had 14 points in a five-set win over De La Salle-College of St. Benilde last Sunday, and followed it up with a 22-point effort over San Beda University in a 25-16, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22 triumph on Wednesday.

Domingo had 15 kills, four blocks, and three aces in a well-rounded effort for the Lady Tams.

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"Part 'yun ng game plan namin, na i-feed muna sa quickers para 'pag binato sa open, magiging madali na para sa spiker na paluin," Domingo explained after the game.

Domingo, who transferred from University of the East to FEU in 2016, said she is ready to take on a bigger role with the Lady Tamaraws, who are looking to stay in contention following the graduation of Pons.

"Isa na ring factor 'yun, kailangan mag-step up din kami. Isa na rin kasi ako sa nakakatanda," said Domingo, the reigning UAAP Best Blocker.

She admits that there is some pressure on her to step up, especially with Basas still unavailable to play, but Domingo refuses to be overwhelmed.

"Hindi ganoon kabigat. Hinid ko siya tine-take as pressure, kasi 'di naman kami pine-pressure ni coach eh," Domingo insisted.

Moreover, FEU has never been a team that relied on just one scorer, not even when Pons was piling up triple-doubles for them. Domingo said this will still be the case as they continue in their campaign in the PVL.

"Nag-uusap kami nila ate at nung mga bata namin, na mag-tulungan talaga kami," she said. "Dapat, lahat kami may ma-contribute. Hindi lang kami (na veterans). Dapat lahat."

The Lady Tamaraws will return to action on Saturday against San Sebastian College.

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