Far Eastern University strengthened its hold on the third seed with a gutsy 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-13 win, eliminating Ateneo de Manila University from Final Four contention in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Philsports Arena on Wednesday.
The Lady Tamaraws improved their record to 8-4, securing solo third place, ahead of the idle UST Golden Tigresses at 7-4. They are also just half a game behind the second-place De La Salle Lady Spikers, who are at 8-3.
FEU, a 29-time champion that last won in 2008, is now aiming to secure its second consecutive Final Four appearance when it faces Adamson University on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Going against Ateneo, masyadong dedicated ang Ateneo sa pagbalik nila sa Final Four tapos sa amin naman, eager din kaming mag-stay sa position na yun. Mahirap for us to maintain yung ganong klase kasi pareho kami ng goal. It’s just a matter kung sino yung may desire na makarating sa Final Four,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.
Gerzel Petallo, Chenie Tagaod, and Karyll Miranda sparked the Lady Tamaraws to a 10-3 lead, quickly deflating the spirit of the Blue Eagles.
Although Ateneo managed to trim the deficit to 8-12, Miranda and Clarisse Loresco responded for FEU, establishing a fresh 17-9 lead that helped seal the win after two hours and three minutes.
In the third set, with the score tied at 21-all, Ateneo’s errors contributed to the Lady Tamaraws’ resurgence. Faida Bakanke then came through with two crucial points — a block on Lyann de Guzman and an off-the-block hit — giving FEU control of the match at 25-22.
“Sobrang happy na nagbubunga ‘yung mga effort na ibinibigay namin sa team and ngayon na (malapit) na ulit kami makapasok sa Final Four, kailangan muna manalo ngayong Saturday para makuha na talaga namin ‘yung Final Four,” said Tagaod, who tallied 12 points, 13 excellent receptions, and five digs.
Congolese opposite hitter Faida Bakanke led the Lady Tamaraws with 19 points, including 15 spikes and four blocks, while Petallo delivered another all-around performance with 13 points, 14 receptions, and 12 digs.
Miranda and Loresco, who were used primarily in the third and fourth sets, still made significant contributions. Miranda set up 11 excellent sets and added five points, while Loresco scored seven points, including four attacks and three blocks.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Blue Eagles, who finished fifth last year, will miss the post-season for the third straight season.
Ateneo dropped its third consecutive match, falling to 4-8, but will look to end its campaign on a high note when it faces National University and University of the East in its final two games.
AC Miner led Ateneo’s charge with 17 points and eight digs, while Jihan Chuatico contributed 13 points, including nine attacks and four blocks.
Lyann De Guzman, Ateneo’s top scorer, was limited to just seven points on a 7-of-32 spiking clip.
