In the almost three-hour affair, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws were wildly inconsistent.
Still, the short-handed Lady Tamaraws found stability in the endgame to outlast the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-16, 16-25, 12-25, 25-22, 17-15, for their sixth win in the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After winning the first set convincingly, FEU struggled mightily in the next two frames, playing two of their worst sets of the season.
The Lady Tamaraws then quelled a late UE run in the fourth set to force a decider, where they nearly allowed their foes another comeback. Leading 14-11 thanks to a run sparked by Ivana Agudo, UE rattled off the next four points after highlighted by Judith Abil’e explosive kill. FEU recovered, going to Jerrili Malaban to score two of their last three points.
FEU head coach George Pascua lauded his team’s veterans for stepping up late in the match and doing their part without injured rookie Lycha Ebon.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila kanina after ng fourth set, it’s not about Lycha. Siyempre, ang naging motivation yung pagkawala niya,” said Pascua.
“Kasi ayaw ko naman na lilitaw na matatalo yung team dahil wala siya, at naniniwala ako sa kanila na kaya nila na mag-perform without isa sa mga scorer namin,” the FEU lifer added.
Third-year winger Ivana Agudo took Ebon’s spot and led FEU in scoring with 12 points. Celine Domingo, Heather Guino-O, and Jerilli Malabanan each provided 11 points.
Mary Ann Mendrez topped all scorers with 22 points, while Judith Abil managed 16. UE libero Kath Arado had a prolific outing with 32 digs and 20 excellent receptions.
Both teams play their next matches on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. FEU (6-3) take on the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles (7-1). Meanwhile, UE (2-7) face the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (5-3).
The Scores
FEU (3) – Agudo 12, Domingo 11, Guino-O 11, Malabanan 11, Carandang 5, Negrito 5, Ronquillo 1, Cayuna 0, Hernandez 0, Villareal 0, Duremdes (L)
UE (2) – Mendrez 22, Abil 16, Olarve 12, Baliton 11, Bendong 2, Rodriguez 2, Gabarda 0, Alcayde 0, Clavano 0, Manabat 0, Arado (L)
