Far Eastern University took a step closer to redemption, defeating University of the East in straight sets, 25-21, 25-15, 25-20, in Game 1 of their best-of-three semifinal series in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday night.
The Lady Tamaraws, last season’s runners-up to the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, showcased their determination against their next-door rivals.
After falling behind early in the third set, they rallied to claim the win, showing they were a team on a mission.
With a narrow 22-20 lead late in the third set, FEU secured the final three points, capped by a service ace from Alyza Devosora, to seal the match.
FEU understood the importance of finishing strong, especially after suffering a tough five-set loss to UE in the eliminations last September 8.
That loss served as motivation for the Lady Tamaraws heading into this semifinal clash.
“Minindset talaga namin na makuha ‘tong game na ‘to. As in, parang kada training, binigay talaga namin ‘yung best namin para makuha ‘tong first game ng semis,” said team captain and setter Tin Ubaldo.
She emphasized the team’s ultimate goal: “Ang goal talaga namin is makarating sa Finals and naka-mindset kami na aayusin namin galaw namin hanggang pataas kami ng pataas.”
Ubaldo and the Lady Tamaraws will aim to close out the series and make it to the Finals for the second consecutive season when they face UE in Game 2 on Sunday at 10:00 AM, once again at Philsports Arena.
In the opening set, Jazlyn Ellarina led the charge for FEU, though UE found some momentum with Kai Cepada’s powerful serves.
However, the Lady Warriors’ late run wasn’t enough to overcome FEU’s strong start, as the Lady Tamaraws carried that momentum into the second set.
The second set turned into a one-sided affair, with FEU exploiting UE’s defensive lapses. This allowed setters Ubaldo and Karyll Miranda to easily distribute the ball to their attackers, further widening the gap.
Ellarina finished with 13 points, 10 of which came from attacks, while Chenie Tagaod contributed 10 points, along with nine digs and eight excellent receptions.
Ubaldo added five points and dished out nine of FEU’s 14 excellent sets.
On the other side, Cepeda stood out for the Lady Red Warriors with a game-high 17 points, built on 15 attacks and one service ace. Keshia Famulagan added seven points off the bench.
UE ace Casiey Dongallo arrived in time for the match after completing schoolwork but was not fielded.
