Far Eastern University survived a thrilling fourth-set rally from their first-round shock tormentor University of the Philippines, clinching a 25-21, 25-16, 14-25, 26-24 victory to strengthen its position in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Final Four race, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Tamaraws built an early 12-3 lead in the back-and-forth fourth set, but the Fighting Maroons — led by Kianne Olango’s attacks and Julia De Leon’s steady serving — mounted a 17-4 run to take a 20-16 advantage.
FEU responded, however, as Faida Bakanke, Chenie Tagaod, and Jazlyn Ellarina pushed their side to match point, 24-22.
UP had one final push, with Irah Jaboneta and Kassy Doering making back-to-back hits to tie the set at 24-all. But Olango made a costly attack error on the next play, and Tin Ubaldo’s single block on Joan Monares sealed the win for FEU.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Para akong nanonood ng action tapos biglang drama, ang hirap para sa amin i-maintain ‘yung lead pero nakita ko ‘yung maturity ng players kung paano namin i-handle ‘yung behind four points. Very happy na nagkaroon kami ng ganoong turnout,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.
With the win, the Lady Tamaraws improved their record to 7-4, tying the UST Golden Tigresses for third and fourth place. However, FEU holds the tiebreaker due to their earlier victory over UST.
The victory also clinched a Final Four berth for the NU Lady Bulldogs and pushed UP, now at 5-6, two games behind the fourth spot.
UP extended the match to a fourth set after dominating the third, leading 19-8 behind the combined efforts of outside hitter Monares and American middle blocker Kassy Doering.
But FEU was determined to avoid a repeat of their shock first-round loss to the Fighting Maroons, which ended in a 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 defeat.
“Siyempre po, sobrang important ng game ngayon kasi laging sinasabi sa amin na must-win game. Hindi naman sa naghahabol, pero kailangan pa namin mas i-angat ‘yung standings namin,” said Tagaod, who contributed 14 points and 18 excellent receptions.
Bakanke, the Congolese opposite spiker, led FEU with a game-high 20 points and seven digs, while Gerzel Petallo delivered an all-around performance with 14 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
FEU will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.
Olango, Monares, and Jaboneta led UP with 13 points each, with Jaboneta also contributing 14 receptions and nine digs.
The Fighting Maroons will aim to regain their confidence when they face De La Salle University next Sunday at the Big Dome.
