Not even a premature celebration could deter Far Eastern University from clinching a hard-fought five-set victory over University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 17-15, setting the stage for a thrilling decider in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
In a match that swung wildly back and forth, the Lady Tamaraws defied the odds, overcoming a late four-point deficit in the fifth set to claim a crucial win against the Angge Poyos-less Golden Tigresses.
The pivotal moment came when a crucial net challenge breathed new life into their chances, ultimately proving decisive in the match.
UST seemed poised to secure the championship after Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado hammered down back-to-back attacks, giving the Golden Tigresses a comfortable 13-9 advantage in the fifth frame.
But the Lady Tamaraws – led by Lovely Lopez and Tin Ubaldo – rallied back from the brink. They executed a 4-0 run, tying the game at 13-all and igniting hopes for a comeback.
As UST looked to seal the match, Perdido scored off a push, followed by Cassie Carballo executing a brilliant 1-2 play that seemingly put the Golden Tigresses on the brink of victory.
However, as confetti rained down from the rafters, the FEU coaching staff called for a net touch violation on UST’s setter.
“Di ko nakita na nag-challenge pero super hinayang nung time na ‘yun. Pero nung nagbalik ‘yung point, talagang hindi ko binitawan ‘yung chance na binigay,” said FEU team captain Tin Ubaldo, who remained on the floor as the confetti unexpectedly fell during the fifth set.
The challenge was upheld, abruptly cutting short the celebratory moment and sending both teams back to a 14-all deadlock.
After the organizers cleared the confetti, the tension escalated.
Carballo scored again with a drop shot, this time without a violation. Clarisse Loresco then quickly answered with a quick kill to tie things up once more.
The turning point came when Ubaldo blocked Renee Peñafiel, allowing Loresco to score from the service line – clinching an emotional win for the Lady Tamaraws after a grueling two hours and 33 minutes.
“Super happy kasi talagang pinagtrabahuhan namin ‘yung win na ‘to. Parang lahat talaga nag-contribute sa win. Though maraming lapses, ‘yung errors, miscues, pero nakabawi pa rin kami,” Ubaldo added, reflecting on their team effort.
Jean Asis spearheaded FEU with 20 points, including 17 attacks and three blocks, while Faida Bakanke and Jaz Ellarina contributed 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Lopez came through with 11 points, and Chenie Tagaod added nine markers alongside 11 excellent receptions.
Ubaldo orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets, contributing four points and 10 digs. Meanwhile, Margarett Encarnacion and Julianne Monares provided defensive support with 10 excellent digs and receptions, respectively.
On the other hand, Jurado paced the Golden Tigresses with 24 points, comprising 21 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, complemented by 14 excellent digs.
Perdido and Peñafiel added 17 and 15 points, respectively, with Perdido also registering 16 excellent receptions.
Carballo delivered 22 excellent sets, while Detdet Pepito recorded 26 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions in the loss.
Poyos, who was named MVP of the tournament, missed the match and the awarding ceremony due to illness.
Looking ahead, FEU aims to ride its momentum into Game 3 of the Finals, while UST seeks redemption after this heart-wrenching loss.
The two teams will clash again on Friday at 2:00 PM at the same venue, promising another thrilling encounter.
