Far Eastern University reaffirmed its dominance over the University of Santo Tomas, capping off a thrilling come-from-behind fourth set to secure a 25-22, 26-24, 17-25, 26-24 victory and complete a season sweep of the Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With their backs against the wall in the fourth set, the Lady Tamaraws roared back from a six-point deficit to snatch the victory, forcing a tie for third place at 5-3 with the Golden Tigresses, who suffered back-to-back losses.
FEU’s latest triumph cemented its mastery over UST this season, having also secured a four-set victory in the first round, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20. The Lady Tamaraws now hold the tiebreaker advantage in the standings.
The win also gave FEU a two-game lead over Adamson, Ateneo, and University of the Philippines in the race for the last Final Four slot.
It marked FEU’s first head-to-head sweep of UST since Season 80 (2018), when the Lady Tamaraws were led by Bernadeth Pons, Gel Cayuna, and Cza Carandang.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Mataas ‘yung expectation ko talaga kasi binibigyan ko na sila ng bigger responsibility this second round. ‘Yung expectations din namin kasi masyado na ring mataas ‘yung at stake regarding sa positioning ng teams, so hopefully magandang start ito for the second round and looking forward for more,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak after the two-hour, 20-minute battle.
Down 16-10 in the fourth set and facing the prospect of a deciding fifth frame, Gerzel Petallo sparked the Lady Tamaraws’ comeback.
Petallo delivered four straight points to give FEU a 20-19 advantage, but UST refused to back down.
An attack error by Faida Bakanke put the Tigresses at set point, 24-23, but the Lady Tamaraws found a way to respond.
Chenie Tagaod, cold off the bench, scored her lone point of the match with a well-placed drop ball to tie the set, while Mitzi Panangin delivered her only ace of the game to give FEU match point.
Jean Asis then sealed the victory with a crucial block on Regina Jurado’s attack.
“Proud po ako sa team namin sa effort po talaga na binigay kasi gusto po talaga namin manalo. Yun po yung una po naming ginawa, ginusto po talaga namin manalo,” said Petallo, who finished with 12 points and 15 digs.
Congolese opposite spiker Bakanke had her best game of the season, scoring 22 points on 18 spikes, two aces, and two blocks. Jazlyn Ellarina, inserted into the starting lineup, impressed with 12 points.
FEU looks to ride its momentum when it faces winless University of the East on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, Jurado led UST with 20 points and 15 digs, while surprise starter Maribeth Hilongo — replacing Marga Altea in the first six — delivered a career-high 17 points, nine receptions, and 11 digs.
Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos was limited to 14 points on 14-of-53 attack efficiency while also contributing 19 digs and 16 receptions.
The Golden Tigresses will attempt to bounce back on Saturday against De La Salle University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
