Far Eastern University capped its preliminaries campaign with authority, fending off University of Perpetual Help’s upset bid in four sets, 25-18, 19-25, 25-18, 25-11, to secure the No. 2 seed and set a semifinal showdown with College of Saint Benilde in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Lady Tamaraws closed the eliminations with a 6-1 record, just behind unbeaten Adamson University (7-0). Meanwhile, the Lady Blazers settled at 5-2 to clinch the third seed after turning back Arellano University, 25-15, 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, earlier in the day.
The best-of-three semis series between FEU and Benilde begins Wednesday at the same venue.
FEU leaned on the explosive outing of Gerzel Petallo, who dropped 21 points on 19 attacks and two service aces, along with five digs and seven excellent receptions.
Alyzza Devosora added seven points, 10 digs, and nine receptions, while skipper Tin Ubaldo steered the offense with 23 excellent sets.
Despite head coach Tina Salak’s absence, deputy mentor Manolo Refugia fielded nearly his entire roster and still found the consistency needed to cruise in the third and fourth sets.
(C) V-League
“Medyo naging complacent ‘yung team sa simula, pero bumawi naman kami. Aware kami na gano’n ‘yung galaw, kaya ina-adjust namin na walang mag-underestimate ng kalaban kasi lahat gustong manalo,” said Petallo on FEU’s slow start.
“Mas eager kami at nag-step up lahat para hindi mangyari ‘yung ayaw naming mangyari.”
Meanwhile, Benilde had its own share of shaky moments but leaned on its veterans to steady the ship against the Lady Chiefs.
With Arellano ahead 16-14 in the third set, setter Chanae Basarte connected with Rhea Densing and Clydel Catarig to swing the momentum. The Lady Blazers then pulled away in the fourth to seal the win in one hour and 43 minutes.
Assistant coach JP Martires lauded his team’s adjustments: “It happens naman even to the best of us. Constant reminder lang na ‘yung pina-practice nila sa training, they just have to play smart and keep their composure. Medyo natagalan lang pero eventually they were able to solve the problem nung mga sets na ‘yon.”
Catarig proved instrumental with 16 points off the bench, highlighted by 12 attacks and four blocks, while Densing and Zam Nolasco chipped in 11 apiece.
Despite strong efforts from Perpetual’s Jernalyn Menor (21 points) and Arellano’s Cris Servidad (19 points), both squads fell short of advancing.
The Lady Altas bowed out at 2-5 in sixth place, while the Lady Chiefs (4-3) settled for the fourth seed and will face top-ranked Adamson in the other semifinal bracket.
