Far Eastern University rallied late in the third set to complete its sweep of Ateneo de Manila University, 25-17, 25-17, 26-24, securing its second straight win in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The Blue Eagles were three points away from forcing a fourth set, leading 22-17, when Lovely Lopez and Jazlyn Ellarina combined for a 9-2 run to clinch the victory for the Lady Tamaraws.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Actually, may mga times na nakikita natin ‘yung character ng players natin kapag behind tayo sa game. Kung paano sila magrespond, doon ako nagiging happy compared before na kapag lamang na ng lima, nawawalan na ng pag-asa,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak after the win, which improved their record to 3-2 and solo fourth place.
Ellarina sparked the comeback with back-to-back hits, followed by two straight points from Lopez, closing the gap to 21-22.
Tied at 23, Geezel Tsunashima gave Ateneo a set point with an out-of-system backrow hit, but Lopez was determined to prevent the match from extending to a fourth frame.
The sophomore outside hitter first tied the score with an off-speed hit, then delivered a crosscourt kill for FEU’s match point. She sealed the win with a spike through the blockers, ending the contest in one hour and 35 minutes.
“Happy lang ako na naglalaro and ine-enjoy ko lang po every moment na nasa loob po ako ng court,” said Lopez, who scored five of her eight points during the decisive run.
Congo’s Faida Bakanke led the Lady Tamaraws with 12 points, while Gerzel Petallo added nine points along with 13 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
Ellarina contributed a well-rounded 11 points, including five spikes, three aces, and three blocks, while Clarisse Loresco finished with eight points.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Tsunashima delivered her best performance of the season with 11 points for the Blue Eagles.
Ateneo, which handed La Salle its only set loss so far in the season last Saturday, remained winless in five games.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday at the Big Dome, with FEU facing University of the Philippines at 3 p.m., and Ateneo taking on National University at 1 p.m.
