Far Eastern University secured a spot in the semifinal round of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after pulling off a 22-25, 25-12, 25-17, 25-15 comeback win over Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
With the victory, the Lady Tamaraws improved their record to 5-1, keeping themselves in strong contention for the second seed.
Third-year spiker Gerzel Petallo led the charge with an all-around performance of 17 points built on 12 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, while also tallying 12 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Kyle Pendon chipped in 11 points to reinforce the offense.
But it was rookie setter Karyll Miranda who turned the tide, orchestrating FEU’s attack with 17 excellent sets and steady floor leadership.
“Siguro kasi palapit na nang palapit ang UAAP, so kailangan namin, sa mga games namin na paparating maging seryoso na at gawin ‘yung sistema na dapat naming ginagawa,” said Miranda, a former National University Nazareth School standout.
“Kasi ‘tong UAAP may goal kami na gustong makuha. Kaya siguro ‘yun din ‘yung pinanghahawakan ng team na every day kailangan naming maglaro nang maayos.”
Ateneo, behind the efforts of Zey Pacia and Grydelle Matibag, struck first with a tight opening set win. However, the Blue Eagles could not sustain their momentum as the Lady Tamaraws settled in and took full control of the next three frames.
Pacia and Matibag ended with 10 points each, while Dona De Leon chipped in nine as Ateneo wrapped up its campaign at 1-6 for eighth place.
FEU will close out its preliminary campaign against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (2-4) on September 29 at the FilOil Centre, aiming to gain added momentum heading into the semifinals.
(C) V-League
Earlier, College of Saint Benilde also booked a Final Four berth after surviving a five-set thriller against Mapua University, 25-18, 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 15-13.
The Lady Blazers rose to 4-2, clinching their fourth consecutive semifinal appearance since the league’s post-pandemic return.
At the heart of their victory was Aya Densing, who unleashed 29 points on 27 attacks, a block, and an ace, while also collecting 12 digs.
She capped her stellar performance with back-to-back kills late in the decider, before making a key dig that set up Zam Nolasco’s winning spike.
“Siguro ‘yung lakas ng loob. Hindi ko masasabi na consistent ‘yung lakas ng loob nila throughout the game,” noted Benilde assistant coach Corrine Apostol.
“Kaya natatalo sila kasi parang nagre-relax sila ‘pag patapos na ‘yung game. Pero ‘yun ‘yung something na dapat dalhin nila heading into the semifinals.”
The Lady Blazers will close their elimination round against Arellano University (3-3) on September 29 at 10 a.m., looking to head into the Final Four with added confidence.
