MANILA, Philippines — Gerz Petallo believes team work will be Far Eastern University’s biggest strength this UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Petallo scattered eight kills, five blocks, and two aces to finish with 15 points as FEU jumpstarted its campaign with a rousing 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20 win on Saturday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

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SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament first round

“It’s not just one or two players carrying the team—we all contribute. That’s the biggest factor in why we won,” said the third-year spiker.

Petallo attributed their confidence to setter Tin Ubaldo, who orchestrated the Lady Tamaraws balanced attack with 12 excellent sets as four scored in double figures with Faida Bakanke topscoring with 16 points and Jean Asis and Chenie Tagaod adding 14 and 10 points, respectively.

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“The pressure is always there in the game, so Tin’s setting really helps,” she said. “But I have to focus on myself first, then continue contributing to the team.”

READ: UAAP: FEU turns back UST for opening win in women’s volleyball

As coach Tina Salak urges them to ditch the underdog mentality and embrace higher expectations with their stacked roster, Petallo vows to continue to mature in their quest to surpass last year’s Final Four finish, falling a game short from the Finals.

“Of course, it’s all about character development. No matter how far you go, you should never stop growing. I just want to become more mature in the game,” Petallo said.